why is a presentation called a deck

Wondering why PowerPoint presentations are called decks? (Now you know)

Hrideep barot.

• Presentation , Public Speaking

Why PowerPoint presentations are called decks , a question that lingered in my mind for a long time until I decided to jump on to finding out exactly why! And here I am to share all that I have learned about why PowerPoint presentations are called decks.

But before we dive deeper into understanding PowerPoint decks, it is very important to refresh our knowledge of some of the basics.

What are presentations?

Presentations are a way of conveying some information, idea, or opinion to your audience either with or without the use of visuals, in most cases PPTs .

While most of the time, we are bound to confuse presentations with PowerPoint presentations, they aren’t the same thing.

Presentations are a much wider spectrum that includes PowerPoint presentations as a part of it.

What are PowerPoint presentations?

PowerPoint presentations are slide decks created on the specific software called Microsoft PowerPoint that was released by Microsoft (duh!) in the year 1987 . PowerPoint helps create easy and effective digital slide decks; since it is so widely used, it has become synonymous with presentations at large.

It is similar to how we call photocopies Xerox!

(pst if you don’t understand the analogy, check out what we are trying to say here )

Why are PowerPoint presentations called decks?

Decks in presentations are a collection of slides (individual pages in PowerPoint) . And since PowerPoint presentations are nothing but a collection of well-laid-out slides, they are called decks.

Now to understand it better, let’s begin with the fundamental structure, shall we?

Assuming you go to PowerPoint right now, what is the first thing you’ll see?

A blank template that would prompt you to add text, right? That is a slide. As you keep adding slides to your PowerPoint, the collection of these slides, in the end, is what we call a deck.

But then again,

Why is it called a PowerPoint deck?

A PowerPoint deck is similar to a deck of cards. In a deck of cards, a deck is composed of 52 cards; Similarly, in PowerPoint, a deck or pile of slides is what is known as a PowerPoint deck.

So, does this mean that the presentation is important only in its entirety and not as individual slides?

Absolutely no!

Just like in a game of cards, the ace carries its importance and so does a card of jack; In PowerPoint decks too, each slide carries with it its unique importance . However, when separated the slides would lose their meaning.

Again, what would you do if you find a queen card lying on your room’s floor? slide it under the bed? I mean it would be ideal considering you don’t know where the rest of the cards are!

Similarly, individual slides gain their meaning when they are compiled with other slides.

This means each slide carries its own different set of information that helps in conveying an idea at the end .

When did PowerPoint presentations become decks?

PowerPoint presentations became decks on the day they came into being, that is in 1987.

Presentations had been made using stacks of papers or sheets filled with information even before digital presentations came into being.

As shocking as it may be, presentations already involved the use of decks in some form or the other from the very initial day of the specification building our communication skills.

While we started with rock paintings or carvings, we can include them as a form of presentation but not as decks.

Later came the use of sheets or paper to deliver information. This was done using flip paper cards .

There is evidence that presentations using flip charts became very common during the 1940s. These sheets or posters would be joined together with the help of metal fasteners. The speaker or presenter would then flip from one page to the other to share information.

Sounds very similar to our digital presentations, doesn’t it? Except we don’t have to tire our arms by flipping pages. We can simply click to move on to the next slide. How convenient!

Coming back to the last bit of our history of slide decks, somewhere in the 90s -2010’s PowerPoint as a software gained major attention from the public. The slide decks started to be created on PowerPoint exclusively and that is how we moved from saying slide decks to PowerPoint decks.

Going over it again

What is a slide deck in powerpoint.

A slide deck in PowerPoint is nothing but a collection of slides in Microsoft PowerPoint.

What is a PowerPoint slide deck?

It is just another way of saying Slide decks in PowerPoint!

Why are PowerPoint slides called decks??

Since PowerPoint gives you a collection of slides or a deck of slides, it is known as decks.

What is the purpose of a Slide deck in a presentation?

Slide decks help the presenter present his/her/their topic more effectively. It aids the presenter in giving the speech by providing prompts or hints to maintain a flow in their speech. On the other hand, it helps the audience visualize as they listen to the speaker.

Out of the many purposes that a slide deck can serve a presenter, here are a few that we would like to address in this article:

• To pitch new ideas or products
• To explain or introduce a concept
• To share one’s opinions or views

1. To pitch new ideas or products

Slide decks happen to be a very crucial part of making pitches to attract your clients, or to make them understand what your product/ services are all about and how they can be beneficial to them.

Some of the ways we can try to win over or convince the client/ customer to agree to your terms are by showing charts or graphs of your previous success rates or giving out statistics on the problem that your company or product provides a solution for.

2. To explain or introduce a concept

Slide decks being used to explain a concept is something that I believe we have all experienced in schools or colleges.

With smart classrooms, the blackboards have found their place in restaurants and cafes and presentations have made their way to now be a widely used way of delivering lectures.  

3. To share one’s opinions or views

Be it in conferences or competitions or even in your college when you are presenting on a topic, it is mostly with the purpose of sharing your opinions, views, or findings through slide decks.

How do you create a deck in PowerPoint?

When it comes to creating decks in PowerPoint, there are two things that we need to take a look into, the technical aspects and the aesthetic ones. 

When we talk about the technical aspect of creating a deck in PowerPoint, we mean ensuring that you have the software installed in your system, be it a laptop or even your phone.

Head to AppStore or play store and install it. 

Though we have been taught how to create PowerPoint presentations since very early days, we still suggest you take a minute and understand the various features offered by the software like the layouts, themes, and more. Having an understanding of some of the basic features can help you in creating a basic template easily!

If, however, you are looking for ways to create a slide deck other than on PowerPont, then head to some of the most resourceful sites that provide you with a number of templates!

A few such sites are Canva , Evanto , and more

Now when we talk about the Aesthetics of creating a PowerPoint, we first need to accept and appreciate the fact that the aesthetics or look of your presentation can add extra points to your entire presentation. 

We have a list of 5 tips for the same. And if you follow them, you will surely be able to find an answer to..

Why are PowerPoint presentations effective?

A few tips for creating presentations:

1. Less is more

We have all heard this one a gazillion times and more, especially when it comes to Powerpoint presentations, Less is more!

Provide very precise information in your PowerPoint. To make your points short. You can stick to using the 5 by 5 model . The model suggests that you must not add more than 5 points to a slide. And each point must contain no more than 5 words. 

If you still have no idea what you should add, try adding your headings and subheadings in your PowerPoint to make it more on point.

2. Quality over quantity 

Again, adding less content doesn’t mean that you compromise on the quality of information that you share through your presentation. Add short points that make sense and add value to your audience or help in putting your point across in the best way possible. 

3. Keep the curiosity alive

What does it mean when we say keep the curiosity alive? We mean, try not to share your entire slide to your audience in one go. Add effects or transitions to focus only on the point you are speaking on at that point. 

We can say the same in the case of adding too much information to your PowerPoint. Do not add big paragraphs as you shatter your viewer’s curiosity who thanks to you ar enow more engrossed in reading the slides than listening to your presentation. 

4. Neutralize your PowerPoint

By neutralizing we mean adding complementing slides to your PowerPoint decks. If you have selected a more dark theme, try neutralizing it with light-toned slides even if it is used as a transition slide. 

5. Add visuals as and when possible

Ask yourself, can the information that you have added in your PowerPoint presentation be presented in the form of a graph, a table, or a diagram? If yes, then always choose to do it. Switch to visuals as it not only makes your content crisper but also is more appealing to the viewers.

This brings us to our next point, 

Why PowerPoint presentations are not effective?

There are many reasons why PowerPoint can not be very effective. We have listed down about 3 reasons here. Go over them and try to not make the same blunders if you want to be an effective presenter!

1. Tons of Content

Adding more content to your slide may indeed help you remember the content better but it might bore the audience to death.

So just as we discussed, try to add content to your presentations in the form of short pointers. Or least try to make use of keywords and avoid writing entire paragraphs about your topic on the PowerPoint presentation.

An example of what simply copy-pasting a paragraph from your speech to PowerPoint could look like.

2. Poor color/ theme

The last thing we want is for the audience to struggle reading or seeing what we are trying to show them through the presentation. And this situation can possibly happen when there was little to no thought put into either selecting the right theme or use of overlapping colors.

Check out the example below if you want to take a look at what we are talking about!

3. Poor font choice

Another way of making it difficult for your audience to understand your presentation is by using fonts like the one shown in the picture below. Such fonts may surely be a little different, and to some extent aesthetic but it requires lots of effort from the viewers to actually understand what is written on the slide!

Final words

Let us try to summarize the entire blog for you in a couple of lines.

So essentially call it decks, slide decks, or presentation decks, they all mean the same. It is simply a collection of slides. And when such a collection is made on Microsoft’s PowerPoint, what do we call it?

Yes! you guessed it right (Hopefully?)

It is called PowerPoint decks or slide decks on PowerPoint.

There are tons of ways of making a PowerPoint deck. However, focusing on the template, and theme, and adding precise and quality content can help you go a long way.

That’s about it for now! Check out Frantically Speaking for more information on similar topics.

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Presentation vs Deck: Meaning And Differences

When it comes to creating a visual aid for a business meeting or a presentation, two terms are often used interchangeably: presentation and deck. But which one is the proper term to use? The answer is that both can be used, but they have slightly different meanings.

A presentation is a comprehensive display of information that is intended to inform, persuade, or entertain an audience. It can be delivered in a variety of formats, including in-person, online, or via video. A deck, on the other hand, is a specific type of presentation that is typically created using presentation software, such as PowerPoint or Keynote. It is usually a collection of slides that are designed to be presented in a specific order to convey a message or tell a story.

Now that we have a better understanding of the difference between a presentation and a deck, let’s dive deeper into the pros and cons of each and when to use them.

Define Presentation

A presentation is a means of communicating information to an audience through a combination of verbal and visual elements. It is often used in business, education, and other settings to convey a message, persuade an audience, or provide information. Presentations can take many forms, including lectures, speeches, slideshows, and multimedia displays.

Effective presentations require careful planning and preparation. The presenter must have a clear understanding of the audience, the purpose of the presentation, and the message they want to convey. They must also be skilled in delivering the presentation in a way that engages the audience and holds their attention.

Define Deck

A deck, on the other hand, is a collection of slides that are used to support a presentation. It is typically created using presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides. A deck can include text, images, charts, graphs, and other visual elements that help to illustrate the key points of the presentation.

Decks are often used in business settings to provide a visual aid for a presentation. They can be shared with the audience before, during, or after the presentation to reinforce the message and provide additional information. Decks can also be used as a standalone document to communicate information without the need for a live presentation.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the correct terminology in a sentence is crucial when it comes to effective communication. In the world of business, the terms “presentation” and “deck” are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings that should be used appropriately. In this section, we will explore how to use these words in a sentence correctly.

How To Use “Presentation” In A Sentence

The term “presentation” refers to the act of presenting information to an audience. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as in a business meeting, a sales pitch, or a classroom setting. Here are some examples of how to use “presentation” in a sentence:

• During the meeting, John gave a presentation on the company’s new marketing strategy.
• The teacher asked the students to prepare a presentation on the history of the Civil War.
• As part of the interview process, candidates are required to give a presentation on a relevant topic.

As you can see, “presentation” is used to describe the act of presenting information to an audience. It can be used as a noun or a verb, and is often accompanied by visual aids such as slides or handouts.

How To Use “Deck” In A Sentence

The term “deck” is often used interchangeably with “presentation,” but it actually refers specifically to a set of slides or visual aids that are used during a presentation. Here are some examples of how to use “deck” in a sentence:

• Before the meeting, Jane prepared a deck of slides to accompany her presentation.
• The sales team created a deck of product images to use during their pitch to potential clients.
• The conference organizer requested that all presenters submit their decks in advance to ensure a smooth transition between speakers.

As you can see, “deck” is used to describe the visual aids that accompany a presentation. It is typically used as a noun, and can refer to a set of slides, images, or other visual aids used to enhance a presentation.

More Examples Of Presentation & Deck Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide you with various examples of how the terms “presentation” and “deck” are used in different contexts. These examples will help you understand the usage of these terms in a better way.

Examples Of Using Presentation In A Sentence

• During the meeting, John gave an impressive presentation on the company’s growth.
• The presentation on climate change was informative and eye-opening.
• She spent hours preparing her presentation for the upcoming conference.
• The sales team delivered a persuasive presentation to the potential clients.
• The professor used a PowerPoint presentation to explain the complex theories.
• The CEO’s presentation at the annual meeting was well-received by the shareholders.
• The marketing team created a visually appealing presentation to showcase the new product.
• The students were asked to give a group presentation on their research findings.
• The investors were impressed by the startup’s pitch presentation.
• The keynote speaker delivered a captivating presentation on leadership.

Examples Of Using Deck In A Sentence

• The startup’s pitch deck included a detailed financial plan and market analysis.
• The design team created a stunning deck for the client’s product launch.
• She used a deck of cards to teach her students about probability.
• The sales representative carried a deck of product samples to the meeting.
• The company’s investor deck highlighted the growth potential of the business.
• The consultant presented a deck of recommendations to the management team.
• The marketing department prepared a deck of social media strategies for the campaign.
• The speaker used a deck of slides to illustrate the key points of the presentation.
• The entrepreneur’s pitch deck included a demo of the product.
• The team leader created a deck of project milestones to share with the stakeholders.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to creating visual aids for your next meeting or presentation, it’s important to understand the difference between a presentation and a deck. Unfortunately, many people use these terms interchangeably, leading to confusion and mistakes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Mistake #1: Using “Presentation” And “Deck” Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using the terms “presentation” and “deck” interchangeably. While both terms refer to visual aids used during a meeting or presentation, they are not the same thing. A presentation is a comprehensive communication tool that includes not only the visual aids but also the speaker’s narrative, body language, and tone of voice. On the other hand, a deck is a collection of slides that support the presentation but do not replace it.

To avoid this mistake, it’s important to use the correct terminology. If you’re referring to the visual aids only, use the term “deck.” If you’re referring to the entire communication tool, use the term “presentation.”

Mistake #2: Overloading Slides With Information

Another common mistake is overloading slides with too much information. This can make the presentation difficult to follow and overwhelming for the audience. Instead, focus on creating simple and clear slides that support your narrative. Use bullet points and visuals to convey your message effectively.

To avoid overloading your slides, limit the amount of information on each slide. Stick to one or two main points per slide and use visuals to illustrate your message. Remember, your slides should support your presentation, not replace it.

Mistake #3: Ignoring The Audience’s Needs

One of the biggest mistakes presenters make is ignoring the audience’s needs. This can include using jargon or technical terms that the audience may not understand, or failing to address their concerns and questions. To avoid this mistake, it’s important to understand your audience and tailor your presentation to their needs.

Before creating your presentation, research your audience and their needs. Use language and terminology that they will understand and address their concerns and questions throughout your presentation. This will help keep them engaged and interested in your message.

Tips On How To Avoid These Mistakes

• Use the correct terminology: “Presentation” refers to the entire communication tool, while “deck” refers to the visual aids only.
• Limit the amount of information on each slide: Stick to one or two main points per slide and use visuals to illustrate your message.
• Tailor your presentation to your audience’s needs: Research your audience and their needs before creating your presentation, and address their concerns and questions throughout your presentation.

Context Matters

When it comes to creating visual aids for a business meeting or presentation, the choice between a presentation and a deck can depend on the context in which they are used. While both can be effective tools for conveying information, there are certain situations where one may be more appropriate than the other.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts in which the choice between a presentation and a deck might change:

1. Formal vs. Informal Settings

If you are presenting in a formal setting, such as a board meeting or conference, a presentation may be more appropriate. Presentations are typically more structured and can help to convey a sense of professionalism and authority. On the other hand, if you are presenting in a more informal setting, such as a team meeting or brainstorming session, a deck may be more appropriate. Decks are generally more flexible and can be used to facilitate discussion and collaboration.

2. Audience Size

The size of your audience can also play a role in determining whether a presentation or a deck is more appropriate. If you are presenting to a large group of people, a presentation may be more effective. Presentations can help to keep everyone on the same page and can ensure that all important information is covered. However, if you are presenting to a smaller group, a deck may be more appropriate. Decks can be more interactive and can allow for more discussion and collaboration.

3. Purpose of the Presentation

The purpose of your presentation can also influence whether a presentation or a deck is more appropriate. If you are presenting to inform or educate your audience, a presentation may be more effective. Presentations can help to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner. However, if your presentation is meant to inspire or motivate your audience, a deck may be more appropriate. Decks can be more visually appealing and can help to capture your audience’s attention.

4. Time Constraints

If you are short on time, a deck may be more appropriate. Decks can be created quickly and can be used to convey important information in a short amount of time. However, if you have more time to prepare, a presentation may be more effective. Presentations can be more structured and can help to ensure that all important information is covered.

Ultimately, the choice between a presentation and a deck will depend on the specific context in which they are used. By considering factors such as the setting, audience size, purpose of the presentation, and time constraints, you can determine which tool is best suited for your needs.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the terms “presentation” and “deck” are often used interchangeably, there are some exceptions where the rules for using them might not apply.

1. Informal Settings

In informal settings, such as team meetings or brainstorming sessions, the use of a deck may not be necessary. Instead, a simple presentation with bullet points or even a verbal explanation may suffice. This can help to keep the focus on the content rather than the visual aids.

2. Technical Presentations

In technical presentations, such as those given by engineers or scientists, the use of a presentation with detailed diagrams and charts may be more appropriate than a deck with flashy graphics. This is because the audience may be more interested in the technical details rather than the visual appeal.

3. Interactive Presentations

In some cases, an interactive presentation may be more effective than a deck. For example, a software company may choose to give a live demonstration of their product rather than a static deck. This allows the audience to see the product in action and ask questions in real-time.

4. Personal Presentations

In personal presentations, such as job interviews or sales pitches, the use of a deck may not be necessary. Instead, a more personal approach, such as a conversation or storytelling, may be more effective in engaging the audience and creating a connection.

5. Cultural Differences

It’s important to be aware of cultural differences when using presentations or decks. For example, in some cultures, a more formal approach may be expected, while in others, a more casual approach may be preferred. It’s important to research and understand the cultural norms of the audience before deciding on the best approach.

Overall, while the rules for using presentation and deck may seem straightforward, there are exceptions where a different approach may be more effective. By considering the context and audience, you can choose the best approach to deliver your message and achieve your goals.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have discussed the differences between presentation and deck, it is important to practice using these terms in sentences. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of presentation and deck:

Exercise 1:

Fill in the blank with either presentation or deck:

• She spent all night working on her ____ for the big meeting tomorrow.
• He created a beautiful ____ to showcase his photography portfolio.
• The speaker used a ____ to accompany his speech.
• She gave a fantastic ____ on the benefits of meditation.

Answer key: 1. presentation, 2. deck, 3. deck, 4. presentation

Exercise 2:

Choose the correct term to complete the sentence:

• A ____ is a collection of slides used to support a speech or presentation.
• A ____ is a formal talk given to an audience.
• He spent hours creating a beautiful ____ for his upcoming talk.
• She gave a fantastic ____ on the benefits of yoga.

Answer key: 1. deck, 2. presentation, 3. deck, 4. presentation

These practice exercises should help you become more comfortable with using presentation and deck in the appropriate context. Remember, a presentation is a formal talk given to an audience, while a deck is a collection of slides used to support a speech or presentation.

After examining the differences between presentation and deck, it is clear that each term has its unique features and purposes. While both presentation and deck are used to convey information, presentation is more focused on the delivery of the content, whereas deck is more focused on the content itself.

It is important to understand the distinction between the two terms to effectively communicate with colleagues and clients. By using the correct terminology, you can avoid confusion and ensure that your message is clear.

Key Takeaways

• Presentations are more focused on the delivery of the content, while decks are more focused on the content itself.
• Using the correct terminology can avoid confusion and ensure clear communication.

By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, you can improve your communication skills and become a more effective communicator. Whether it’s through online resources, books, or courses, there are plenty of opportunities to enhance your language skills.

Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.

What is a Slide Deck? Everything You Need to Know!

By: Author Shrot Katewa

In my personal experience alone, I’ve seen people use very many different words including the word “Slide Deck” for a presentation. I always wondered what is the meaning of Slide Deck, and how is it different from other words commonly used to describe a presentation. So, I did a little research, and here’s what I found out!

A Slide Deck is a term assigned to a group of slides that together form a complete presentation. A slide deck is usually created using a presentation design application. A slide deck is often used as an aid for storytelling or presenting information about a topic or an organization.

But, how is a slide deck different from a slide show or a PowerPoint? In this article, we will understand the nuances of the various presentation terminologies used. Plus, I will also help you understand why is a slide deck really called a slide deck!

So, let’s get started.

A Quick Note Before We Begin – if you want to make jaw-dropping presentations, I would recommend using one of these Presentation Designs . The best part is – it is only $16.5 a month, but you get to download and use as many presentation designs as you like! I personally use it from time-to-time, and it makes my task of making beautiful presentations really quick and easy!

What is a Slide Deck?

When it comes to describing a presentation, there are several words that are used. One word that is often used is a “Slide Deck”.

As mentioned above, a slide deck really is a collection of slides put together to form a presentation. A slide deck is used in many organizations to give an overview about their organization, to share strategies or plans, or showcase performance updates, or even just sharing a piece of interesting information about a topic. There are several use cases for a slide deck!

You may wonder, “Is slide deck not just the same as a presentation?”. If so, then why not just call it a presentation instead of a slide deck? Why use the term slide deck at all?

Pro Tip: All slide decks are presentations, but not all presentations can be classified as a slide deck!

A presentation is usually a much broader term. For instance, when you are displaying a physical product and verbally sharing nuggets of information about that product, it is still referred to as a presentation. More specifically, it is called a product presentation.

The key difference between a slide deck and presentation is that a presentation is an act of delivering information such as a speech or a talk. Whereas, a slide deck is the visual aid used while giving a presentation!

Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, a slide deck and a presentation are actually two different terms!

Why is a Slide Deck called a Slide Deck? A Brief History!

The term slide deck evolved from an old technology that was used for projecting the slides on the wall. A physical 35 mm slide was inserted into a carousel slide projector . All the slides that were used during a presentation were collectively known as a slide deck (as in a deck of cards).

The term “slide deck” stuck around and became synonymous with a presentation even after the technology evolved . Thus, even today, many people refer to a presentation as a slide deck.

If you are wondering how this projector really worked, then you would be amazed to know that each model came with slots for 40 or 80 slides that could be inserted at a time.

Each slide would be placed upside down and backward in terms of the chronological order so that the image projected is in the correct orientation and order. The slide themselves were usually photographs and not much could be done on the slide.

Difference Between Slide Deck and Slide Show?

Another term that people often use interchangeably is a slide deck and a slide show.

A slide deck is the group of slides used to create a presentation. However, when these slides are displayed or shown to an audience while giving a presentation, the process is known as a slide show.

In other words, a slide deck is usually a presentation file whereas a slide show is a process of showing the contents of that file to an audience.

Slide Deck vs PowerPoint: What’s the Difference?

I’ve also seen people get confused between a slide deck and PowerPoint. Again, these are also another set of terms that are used interchangeably. But, there is a difference.

As mentioned before, a slide deck is usually a group of slides collectively put together to give a presentation. The term slide deck has existed even years before PowerPoint was introduced. As we learned above, a slide deck was initially used to describe the batch of physical slides used in a projector.

PowerPoint, on the other hand, is a presentation design software. Unlike a slide or a presentation, PowerPoint is actually a program that is used for designing a slide or creating a presentation.

As the technology evolved and a computer started to have more computing power, complex applications were designed to enable the ease of leveraging technology.

Contrary to the common opinion, PowerPoint was not created by Microsoft. It was first released by Forethought Inc in 1987 initially only for Mac OS. However, Microsoft acquired PowerPoint 3 months after its initial release and rebranded it as Microsoft PowerPoint.

What is the Difference Between Slide Deck and a Pitch Deck?

Another term that you may hear often, especially in the more recent times, is a pitch deck. It is important to note that using the two interchangeably might not be the correct thing to do. Here’s why –

A slide deck is basically all the final slides put together to create a presentation. However, a pitch deck is a type of a slide deck created with a very specific purpose of pitching an idea or a business model to an investor with the intention of raising funds for implementing the idea.

In this era of start-ups and entrepreneurs, a pitch deck is quite common. In fact, every time an organization is looking to raise funds for the project or business, a pitch deck is required.

Simply put, a pitch deck can also be called a slide deck, but not all slide decks can be referred to as a pitch deck!

What is a PowerPoint Slide Deck?

There are multiple ways of creating a slide deck. As we learned earlier, traditionally a slide deck was created using actual physical slides.

As the technology evolved, sophisticated computer applications were used to create a slide deck. One such application is Microsoft PowerPoint.

A PowerPoint slide deck is a term used to describe a slide deck or a presentation that is created using Microsoft PowerPoint as the presentation design application. A PowerPoint slide deck usually consists of multiple slides put together to create a presentation.

That said, a PowerPoint slide deck is more commonly referred to as a “slide deck” or just “Presentation” as PowerPoint is not the only presentation design application available to a user.

What is a Slide Deck in Google Slides?

Although PowerPoint has been one of the most well-known and commonly used presentation design programs, another application that has been gaining in popularity amongst the users is Google Slides!

The idea of a slide deck in Google Slides is pretty much the same. When you put together all the final slides that are going to be used in a presentation using Google Slides, it is known as a slide deck in Google Slides.

If you are not sure what exactly is Google Slides and would like to understand this a bit more in detail, I’ve written a detailed post on this topic. Make sure you check it out! Click on the below link.

What is Google Slides? The ULTIMATE Guide!

How to Make a Slide Deck in PowerPoint?

If you are using PowerPoint, one of the things that you may often be asked to do at work is to make a slide deck in PowerPoint. But, how exactly do you do that? Let me try to answer this question.

Here’s how to make a slide deck in PowerPoint –

• Open a PowerPoint Presentation
• Create a structure for your content
• Create a Title Slide
• Design the Other Remaining Slides
• Use Images relevant to the content
• Add Animations and Transitions
• Create a Thank You Slide
• Save Your Slide Deck
• Share the File with your team

Honestly, this topic deserves a separate article in itself. Perhaps even a single article may not be complete enough to cover this topic.

How to Make a Good Slide Deck?

Let’s face it – most of us don’t want to come across as incompetent. Thus, making a good slide deck is almost always important. But, how exactly does one do that?

There are actually several things that you can do to make an attractive presentation. I actually wrote a detailed article on how to easily create a good slide deck. The tips that I share in that article are also relevant for beginners. So, make sure you check out that article as well! The link is mentioned below.

7 EASY tips that ALWAYS make your PPT presentation attractive (even for beginners)

More Helpful Resources –

• Should You Add Table of Contents in your Presentation?
• How to Give a Presentation When You Are Not Prepared?
• A Quick Guide to Using Animations and Transitions in PowerPoint

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• Communication

What Is a PowerPoint Slide Deck? (PPT Presentations for 2024 + Video)

When you've got to give a big slide deck presentation, it can be a bit daunting to get started. You might already be feeling nervous about speaking in front of a crowd. Or you could be running short on preparation time.

A PowerPoint slide deck can help!

And don't forget to prepare those speaking aids or slides! Having a visual to go along with your slide deck presentation is usually expected by an audience.

That's why we use  Microsoft PowerPoint  to build out slide decks easily. You can use a PowerPoint slide deck template from Envato Elements to build one quickly. We'll learn how to do just that in this tutorial.

Download Our Free PDF eBook on Making Great Presentations

We want to make sure you know about this resource which will help you write, design, and deliver the perfect presentation. Download our Free eBook:  The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations .

Now, let's dive into learning how to build PowerPoint slide decks.

About PowerPoint Slide Decks (Video)

Are you looking for the definition of a PowerPoint slide deck? Well, you've come to the right place.

The video below explains everything you need to know about slide decks and pitch decks--including handy tips to make your next slide deck presentation better.

Jump to content in this section:

What Is a PowerPoint Slide Deck?

What is a powerpoint ppt slide, 5 quick tips for making better powerpoint slide decks, what types of presentation can you give, how to build a slide deck quickly, top 5 design trends for powerpoint slide decks in 2024, common microsoft powerpoint questions answered (faq), learn more about using powerpoint (helpful tutorials on envato tuts+).

• Grab This eBook on Making Great Presentations (Free Download)

Keep reading to learn even more about PowerPoint slide decks.

A PowerPoint  slide deck  is a collection of slides that are in the same presentation. You'll hear "slide deck" used somewhat interchangeably with "presentation." Like a deck of cards, each slide is a key part of the overall package.

 "Slide deck" and "presentation" are sometimes used interchangeably. For example, you'll frequently see the term "deck" used when it comes to pitching your company or startup . 

Presentations can be supported with a slide deck. You'll approach building that PowerPoint deck differently based on the type of slide deck presentation. But the fact remains that slides are a helpful supporting tool when presenting. 

Save lots of time and make a great visual slide deck presentation by using a professional PowerPoint slide deck design  from Envato Elements.

PowerPoint has a bad reputation for being a tool that presenters lean on. While your slides should aid your presentation, they shouldn't contain every word you say. It should be used as a tool to enhance your presentation. 

If a slide deck is a collection of slides, then what is a PPT slide? Slide decks are made up of individual slides. Each slide brings something new to the table. A collection of slides comes together to build a successful PowerPoint presentation.

Think of a slide as an individual card in a deck. No matter what card game you're playing, every card has a role. You can't win a hand of poker or rummy without bringing many cards together. And you can't build a successful slide deck presentation with an individual PPT slide.

Building a PowerPoint marketing plan is much easier when you use a pre-built template. Let's learn more about the tips and skills you can use to reduce the work in building your next marketing plan.

To help you build an engaging slide deck presentation we have outlined five quick tips that you can put in place:

1. Reduce the Content on Each Slide

Less is more when it comes to presentations. Start by opening up the slide deck and then find ways to reduce the content by half. That could mean removing entire slides, reducing the number of text bullet points, or removing multimedia from each slide.

We've got the tendency to overcrowd slide decks with content. We often write a presentation while preparing the slide deck at the same time. In doing so, we run the risk of using the presentation file as an overcrowded note pad. 

A PowerPoint slide deck should only be the most important points of the presentation. Why show the points that you'll be speaking aloud in writing as well? There's no need for redundancy.

2. Build Each Slide in Phased Introductions

When you cut to a new slide, it can be a mistake to show everything at once. The same idea as the prior tip applies: the less you show, the better chance that your audience has of actually digesting the information .

Cutting to a slide with everything already showing is the fastest way to lose the audience's attention. As soon as you cut to a slide that has a wall of text, you'll lose the audience's attention. 

In the example below, there are basically four content blocks surrounding the center. Instead of showing them all at once, I'll use animations to bring them on in groups. 

To build your slides, introduce them in stages. You can use PowerPoint animations  to bring parts of the slide in stages. Instead of showing the entire slide contents, try phasing in various parts of it using animations. Don't show an entire text box. Instead, bring each bullet point on with a single mouse click. This will help to hold the audience's attention.

If you want to learn more about animating elements of your PowerPoint slides, check out the tutorial below. You don't have to use eye-popping and sophisticated animations to introduce your slide's elements.

3. Content First, Style Later

When you're preparing a slide deck, the content of the presentation is your number one priority.

Instead of starting off in PowerPoint, start off with pen and paper. Write the content and structure of the PowerPoint presentation deck first. Then you can add the supportive visuals and slides.

There's plenty more to learn when it comes to building supportive PowerPoint presentation decks. Make sure to check out Cassie McDaniel's tutorial that features 22 tips for building out great PowerPoint decks:

4. Use Illustrations & Graphics to Explain

You can explain everything in text boxes, but your audience is sure to zone out and lose focus quickly. Instead, it helps to use charts and graphs that can help you translate ideas into graphics.

Check out the two tutorials below to learn more about building engaging visuals for your audience.

5. Let the Conversation Continue

A slide deck presentation is a chance to grab an audience's attention. The last thing you want to do is let the presentation be the last point of contact with your audience.

That's why I  always  recommend that your presentation include a contact or follow-up slide. Using a slide that showcases your social media or simply asks the audience to get in touch is a great way to take the next step with your business.

Every presentation is different. There are many types of presentations that you can give to make an impact on an audience. Here are the categories that I tend to think of presentations as spanning:

• Persuasive . Presentations that are designed to change the mind of the audience.
• Decision-driven . The purpose of these presentations are to provide a recommendation or path forward in a situation or project. You will often find these in the corporate world. 
• Introductory . An introductory presentation is designed to be the first point of contact. This showcases your business and work to potential clientele.
• informative (educational) . Informative presentations are really geared around showing knowledge or new ideas to an audience.

Before you even open PowerPoint, you should understand what type of presentation that you're giving. This will help smooth out the writing process and give you a clear goal to aim for. 

For any creative project, you can cut many hours out of your work if you avoid recreating the wheel. In other words, don't build slides from scratch. Use a presentation deck template  from Envato Elements to get a head start.

Best of all: you can customize these presentation deck templates in five quick steps. Let’s learn how.

We’ll use the Visionare PowerPoint Presentation from Envato Elements in this mini-tutorial.

Let's get started:

1. Pick Out Slides to Edit

Think about how to make a slide deck support your message. Remember, slides are a visual aid, not a presentation by themselves. Choose only slides that support what you’re already discussing.

In PowerPoint, find Slide Sorter on the View tab. From here, click and drag to reorder slides in the deck. Hold Shift and click on unwanted slides, then press Delete . Start editing by clicking Normal back on the View tab.

2. Add Custom Text

Custom text is a key part of how to create a slide deck fast. Templates like this have text placeholders already built-in. To edit, click and drag to highlight any block of text. 

Then, simply start typing (or paste in words from elsewhere). It’s that simple. Repeat throughout the presentation deck as needed.

3. Add Images

How to create a slide deck that inspires audiences: it’s a common question. One of the best ways is to build an illustrated deck. Image placeholders make it a breeze. 

Simply browse to an image stored on your computer. Drag it over the placeholder and drop it into place. PowerPoint will import and scale the photo to fit perfectly.

4. Change Object Colors

Changing object colors on your presentation deck has several advantages. It lets you add contrast or share your brand’s special colors. Click on any object to get started. 

On the Home tab, find Shape Format , then choose Shape Fill . A color chooser menu opens, where you can click to preview (and apply) any color you want.

5. Delete Unwanted Objects

Pre-built presentation decks include all kinds of content. But keep in mind, you don’t have to use all of it! 

To build cleaner slides, you can click on images, text boxes, and other items to select them. Then, press Delete on your keyboard. It’s a helpful way to ensure templates always work for you.

Learn more about customizing PowerPoint template designs (or read on for more great tutorial resources): 

It's important to present modern designs in your PowerPoint slide decks. This will give your presentation the best possible chance of succeeding. To help you stay on top of modern design trends, we've got a list of the top five design trends of 2024:

1. Add Space

Add space around the different elements on your slides is an excellent way to add a modern feel. To help create this modern look, try to reduce the number of elements on your slides. This will allow you to add space to your slides that looks natural. 

2. Layer, Layer, & Layer

Layering your presentation deck designs will give your slides a more professional look. Layering the different elements on your slides will add a sense of depth. This helps create an eye catching design. Try using various color blocked shapes as the base layer and then layer on your text and images. 

3. Use Simple Fonts

Simple and easy to read fonts will instantly give your presentation deck a modern feel. Sans Serif type fonts are going to give your slides a clean look. Be sure to choose the appropriate font sizes as well. Having headings and body text make for a visually appealing slide design. 

4. Include High Quality Images

Including high quality images is a must if you want to feature a modern looking design that'll deliver. Envato Elements has a wide variety of high-quality images. You can use these images for your presentation decks. Lean towards bigger image sizes on your slides. 

5. Use a Simple Color Scheme

Simple color schemes work best for presentation decks. Picking two or three colors is plenty to deliver a trendy looking presentation. Adding more colors can make the design seem disconnected. Try using one main highlight color throughout your slides. 

Looking for even more templates? Don't miss out on the next section where we cover even more presentation templates that you can download.

Discover More Top Selling Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation Decks

Still haven't found the perfect PowerPoint slide deck for your upcoming presentation? Don't worry! There are plenty of best-selling PowerPoint presentation decks to download. Check out the articles below for more great presentation deck templates:

5 Top Presentation Deck Templates from Envato Elements (For 2024 Slides)

Envato Elements has thousands of presentation deck templates ready for you. Here are five top designs trending now:

1. Coftofee - PowerPoint Template  

When you consider how to create a slide deck, it pays to think about your message. A flexible template is a great choice because it gives you a lot of creative power. Coftofee delivers just that, with 150 slides and five custom color schemes. All you've got to do is drop in your own content.

2. Drove Creative - PowerPoint  

Think building an amazing presentation deck takes forever? Think again. Drove Creative makes it a breeze, thanks to powerful use of master slides. In essence, these let you make bulk edits in a single step. Plus, you’ll find a full set of vector icons and resizable graphics throughout.

3. Simple Work Presentation  

Whether you’re making a business or personal presentation deck, versatility is a must. Simple Work lives up to its name, with 33 slides created in beautiful HD resolution. Simply drag and drop content onto the slides. Every graphic is fully editable, letting you have full creative control at every turn.

4. Station PowerPoint Presentation  

Wondering how to make a slide deck more interesting? Station is packed with ideas and designs to help you do exactly that. Bright colors feature on each slide. There are charts and infographics that present your ideas in unforgettable style. Also included are maps and vector icon sets.

5. Be PowerPoint Presentation Template  

Be is a presentation deck made in a minimalist style. It really helps your content stand out. Choose from dozens of sleek layouts, including images and device mockups. It’s quick, easy to edit, and sure to impress even the toughest audience.

Let's now go over a few FAQ's for Microsoft PowerPoint. 

Do you have questions about Microsoft PowerPoint? Below, we've collected five of the most frequently asked questions and provided answers to them:

1. Can You Print Your Presentations?

Yes, you can! PowerPoint supports the printing of all your presentations. This makes it easy to distribute your presentation if you need to.

Printing out your slides can use quite a bit of ink. Check out our tutorial below on how to print your slides and still use less ink:

2. How Can I Be Engaging and Effective With PowerPoint?

PowerPoint can be quite intimidating if you're new to the software. But don't worry! As long as you've got a professional template, all you need to do is add your content to the placeholders. This will instantly give you a professional looking presentation deck.

For more information on how to create engaging presentations, check out the article below:

3. Does the Quality of My Template Really Matter?

Absolutely! When you use a low-quality template, your presentation will be much less impactful. The templates on Envato Elements are professionally designed. This ensures that you're only using the most impactful designs. 

For more information on how to make a slide deck from a template, check out the tutorial below:

4. Where Should You Start?

Starting a presentation deck from scratch or even with a template can seem like a daunting task. The number one priority when starting a presentation deck is the content. Before you even get into the design customization, you need to have quality content to add to your slides.

Check out this article on how to write a professional PowerPoint presentation:  

5. How Do You Change PowerPoint Templates?

Using PowerPoint templates are a must if you aren't a professional designer. Thankfully, it's very easy to switch in and out of PowerPoint templates. 

To find out how to change PowerPoint templates check out the article below:

 Looking for even more helpful tutorials on how to create a slide deck? Check out the next section where we offer up even more great resources!

This PowerPoint presentation deck tutorial showcased some of my favorite resources and tips for building a PowerPoint slide deck. There's still plenty more to learn to help you rapidly build out a slide deck that you feel confident showing to an audience.

Check out these other helpful PowerPoint tutorials:

Grab This eBook on Making Great Presentations ( Free Download )

This eBook will help you learn how to write, design, and deliver great presentations.

Download  The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations  for FREE with a subscription to the Tuts+ Business Newsletter. Get your ideas formed into a powerful presentation that'll move your audience.

Now's the Time! Go Make Your Own PowerPoint Slide Deck

What is a PowerPoint slide deck ? Using custom PowerPoint PPT slide templates from Envato Elements can save you a lot of time on your presentation deck. 

Select the PPT slide deck templates you like. Then, build your own PowerPoint slide deck.

How do you build your slide decks? What are your favorite tips for helping reduce the time you spend in PowerPoint? Let me know in the comments section below this tutorial.

Editorial Note : This tutorial was originally published in June of 2018. It's been comprehensively updated to include new information and slide deck examples—with special help from Andrew Childress and Daniel Strongin . A video has been added by Chamira Young . 

What Is a Slide Deck & How It's Done (Tips & Templates)

Learn what a slide deck is. Get tips and templates for making a professional slide deck presentation for business that goes beyond PowerPoint.

Dominika Krukowska

6 minute read

Short answer

What is a slide deck?

A slide deck is a sequence of slides, or pages, used as visual aids in a presentation or a speech. It’s used in business and education to communicate complex information. The slides in the deck are set in a logical order that completes a coherent narrative.

The term “slide deck” comes from the original mechanical slide projector which used a kind of magazine shaped as a carousel to move through a series of transparent slides which were projected on a screen. The term now refers to individual pages within digital presentations.

Dull presentations achieve only boredom - is your slide deck dull?

Capturing and maintaining an audience's attention is no easy feat. If your presentations are dull, you risk boring your audience, failing to convey your message effectively, or even becoming a go-to example for a bad presentation.

But what if there’s a way to minimize the risk?

In this post, we'll cover what a slide deck is and what it isn't.

You’ll learn how to avoid the common mistakes that demolish engagement and how to create an effective slide deck to transform your presentations from boring to buzzworthy.

Let’s dive in!

Slide deck vs. slideshow

A slide deck is a series of slides crafted for a presentation, whereas a slideshow is typically a looping set of images or videos, often with little to no interactive elements. While slide decks are used for communicating information, slideshows are generally used for entertainment.

Slide deck vs. presentation

The difference between a slide deck and a presentation is that a slide deck is a collection of slides that contains information, while a presentation is the act of delivering the information to an audience. The slide deck is the visual aid used during a presentation to support the speaker's message.

Static vs. interactive slide deck

A static slide deck presentation includes only static content such as text and images, whereas an interactive slide deck presentation includes clickable elements, animations, or embedded media that provide a dynamic, immersive experience users can interact with.

Interactive slide decks have been shown to be much more engaging than static ones since they facilitate the reader’s active participation.

This allows readers to hide or expose content on demand, control the pace at which content is served, and see information tailored to them.

You can see the difference below:

What is a slide deck presentation in PowerPoint?

A slide deck presentation in PowerPoint is a series of static slides arranged in a fixed order.

Created in Microsoft's PowerPoint software, it allows for structured information delivery, but lacks interactive elements, limiting audience engagement during the presentation.

Here's an example of a slide deck presentation in PowerPoint:

What is a slide deck presentation in Google Slides?

In Google Slides, a slide deck presentation is a sequence of slides designed within this cloud-based platform.

It offers the convenience of online collaboration and accessibility, but like traditional tools, it primarily features static slides, limiting the potential for interactive audience engagement.

Here's an example of a slide deck presentation in Google Slides:

What is a slide deck presentation in Storydoc?

A slide deck presentation in Storydoc is more than just a series of slides. It's an interactive journey crafted within the platform using narrated design.

Unlike traditional tools, it allows for dynamic elements and user interaction, significantly enhancing audience engagement and the overall presentation experience.

Here's an example of a slide deck presentation in Storydoc:

What makes a good slide deck?

A good slide deck grabs attention through a clear narrative, compelling visuals, and concise text. It's not just about information, but also interaction.

Engaging slide decks often incorporate dynamic elements, encourage audience participation, and are crafted with an understanding of the audience's needs and interests.

What are slide decks used for in business?

Slide decks are the backbone of effective business communication. They help audiences understand complex concepts, make informed decisions, and take action.

How slide decks are used:

• To present complex data in an understandable way
• To share company updates or strategies during meetings
• To pitch ideas or products to clients or investors
• To support webinars or training sessions
• To tell compelling stories to engage and persuade audiences

What should a slide deck presentation include?

A slide deck presentation should include a clear narrative structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. It should feature compelling visuals that support your message, concise and easy-to-read text, and interactive elements to engage your audience.

Remember to include a call-to-action, guiding your audience towards the desired outcome.

Check out our dedicated guides for specific types of slide decks:

What to Include in a Pitch Deck (Slides 99% of Investors Want)

7 elements of a great sales deck structure

What should a one-pager include?

What does a marketing deck include?

What are the main types of business slide decks?

The main types of business slide decks are:

• Pitch deck presentations
• Sales deck presentations
• Product marketing presentations
• White papers
• Case studies
• Report presentations
• Education and academic presentations
• Business proposal presentations
• Sports sponsorship proposals
• Business plan presentations

Jump ahead to each type:

1. Pitch deck presentations

These slide decks are the golden ticket for startups seeking investment. They succinctly present the business idea, market potential, and growth strategy to convince investors to come on board.

Here’s an example of a pitch deck presentation:

If you want to find out more about pitch deck presentations, read these articles:

What Is a Pitch Deck? A Beginner's Guide to Greatness

Create a Winning Pitch Deck Investors Love (Examples & Tips)

2. Sales deck presentations

These slide decks showcase the unique benefits of your product or service and demonstrate why it's the ideal solution for the customer's needs.

Their main goal is to convince prospects to become paying customers of your solution.

Here’s an example of a sales deck presentation:

To learn more, check out our article on how to make a sales pitch deck that turns ‘Maybe’ to ‘Yes!’ .

3. Product marketing presentations

These slide decks introduce new products or features, highlighting their benefits and how they solve the target audience's problems, sparking interest and driving sales.

Here’s an example of a product marketing presentation:

4. White papers

These slide decks are comprehensive reports that provide an in-depth analysis of a problem and its solution, showcasing your business expertise.

Here’s an example of a white paper:

5. Case studies

These slide decks share customer success stories. They show how your product or service has helped a customer, building credibility with potential clients.

Here’s an example of a case study:

For more information, check out our blog posts:

What Is a Case Study & Customer Success Story?

5 Steps for Writing a Case Study for Business (+Templates)

12 Steps to Create a Business Case Study That Converts

Case Study Format Types: Match Format with Business Goals

These decks present complex data in an engaging way. They transform raw data into understandable insights, making information accessible to all.

Here’s an example of a report presentation:

7. One-pagers

These slide decks provide a quick overview of your product or service on the first touchpoint with a potential customer. They highlight key features and benefits in a concise, easy-to-digest format.

Here’s an example of a one-pager presentation:

To learn more about this slide deck type, read our guides:

What Is a One-Pager: Types, Benefits & Main Use Cases

Make One-Pagers That Grab Attention, Engage & Convert

Create a Sales One-Pager (Examples, Writing Tips, Templates)

Create a Business Plan One-Pager (+ Proven Templates)

How to Create a Startup One-Pager That Wows Investors

How to Create a Product One-Pager (That Gets People Excited)

8. Education and academic presentations

These slide decks simplify complex concepts and present research findings in an engaging way, fostering understanding and learning.

Here’s an example of an academic presentation:

Research proposal

This school research presentation template is perfect for students who need to present their findings from a research project. The template includes space for a title, introduction, main body, conclusion, and bibliography.

For more guidance, we have an article on how to write a research proposal that includes tips and templates.

9. Business proposal presentations

These slide decks summarize your offering and demonstrate its value, helping to secure business agreements and close deals.

Here’s an example of a business proposal presentation:

If you want to create your own, make sure to check out these posts:

How to Write a Business Proposal (Examples & Templates)

Make a Winning Business Proposal Presentation in 12 Steps

10. Sports sponsorship proposals

These slide decks highlight the benefits sponsors will receive in return for their investment, helping to secure funding for sports teams.

Here’s an example of a sports sponsorship proposal presentation:

Football sponsorship proposal

This bright and energetic template reflects the dynamic nature of sports. With a combination of text-based and interactive slides, you'll easily convey the history of your organization, as well as the team's main drivers and objectives, to make sponsors instantly realize the value for their money.

11. Business plan presentations

These slide decks serve as roadmaps for businesses. They detail the company's strategy and objectives, aligning team members and attracting potential investors.

Here’s an example of a business plan presentation:

General Business Plan

This template has everything you need to create a visual summary of your business idea. Thanks to a range of interactive slides, you'll be able to convey your vision in a way that impresses investors and gets you the necessary buy-in.

Best slide deck templates to get you started

Embarking on your slide deck journey doesn't have to start from scratch. With tried and tested templates, you're already a step ahead. They’re designed to be responsive, ensuring your content shines on every device.

If you're ready to take your presentations to the next level, explore our interactive slide deck templates below, guided by AI and reader feedback. They’ll help you create professional slide decks that captivate, engage, and inspire.

Hi, I'm Dominika, Content Specialist at Storydoc. As a creative professional with experience in fashion, I'm here to show you how to amplify your brand message through the power of storytelling and eye-catching visuals.

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What is a PowerPoint Deck: A Complete Guide

A PowerPoint deck refers to a collection of slides that make up a presentation. It is created using Microsoft PowerPoint or alternative presentation software like Google Slides or Apple Keynote.

What is a Slide Deck?

Nowadays, slide decks are digital files, but the name has stuck around. Some key things to know:

Key Components of a Slide Deck

Quality Visuals

Types of Slide Decks

1. business pitch decks.

Key Features:

2. Internal Presentation Decks

3. sales/marketing decks.

Key Features

How to Create a PowerPoint Presentation

Follow these steps to build an impactful PowerPoint deck:

1. Define your purpose

**2. Develop key messages **

3. Storyboard content

4. Design visually appealing slides

PowerPoint Presentation Tips

About the author, vegaslide staff, related posts, how to change line spacing in powerpoint for every slide at once, how to compress a powerpoint file on a pc or mac, printing pdf from powerpoint vba, powerpoint designer not working [fix].

WHITNEY D. WALTER

PowerPoint Vs. Slide Deck, Slide Deck Meaning & More Simple Terms

Whitney D. Walter

Introduction

The terms “PowerPoint” and “slide deck” are thrown around a lot in the business world. So much so that you might be wondering if they mean the same thing or if there is something inherently different between the two.

The most significant distinction between a PowerPoint and a deck is that a “deck” is simply a collection of slides, whereas the term “PowerPoint” often refers to the final presentation which may be delivered in the form of a speech, video, or other format.

Here are a few examples of how a PowerPoint presentation can be used:

How do you make a good slide deck in powerpoint, what is a slide deck called in google slides, what is microsoft powerpoint.

Let’s start with the basics. Microsoft PowerPoint is a digital presentation tool. It’s a software application that allows users to share information and ideas with others.

• Creating an informational slideshow to share with colleagues or clients. This might include information about a new product, project details, or company updates.
• Developing a presentation to deliver at a conference or other professional event. This could include sharing research findings, pitching a business idea, or promoting a new initiative.
• Creating an educational resource, such as a lesson plan or study guide. This might include slides with information about a topic, along with accompanying questions or activities.
• Designing a sales deck to use when meeting with potential customers or clients. This could include slides outlining the features and benefits of a product or service.

PowerPoint presentations can be created using a variety of methods, including importing images, adding text, and inserting multimedia content.

Anatomy of a PowerPoint

What is a PowerPoint presentation?

You can think of a PowerPoint presentation as a vehicle to share information with others. Some people refer to a presentation as the act of actually presenting a slide deck. This can be in the form of a recorded slideshow, speech, or another delivery method.

Others may refer to presentations simply as the completed Powerpoint deck.

A typical PowerPoint presentation consists of a series of slides, each of which can contain text , images, and other multimedia content. PowerPoint also offers a variety of features, such as animations and transitions, that can help to make your presentation more engaging.

What is a PowerPoint slide deck?

A slide deck is simply a collection of slides. It can be created using PowerPoint or any other presentation software application, like Google Slides.

However, a key difference between a PowerPoint presentation and a slide deck is that a slide deck is not necessarily intended to be presented in a linear fashion. Instead, a slide deck can be used as a reference tool or resource, or it can be presented in a non-linear fashion, such as through an interactive website or app.

Why is it called a slide deck?

At this point, you might be wondering “But why are PowerPoints called decks?”. The term “slide deck” is derived from the old days of presentations when slides were physical transparencies that were loaded into a carousel and projected onto a screen.

These physical slides would be shuffled around to create the presentation, much like a deck of cards. Thus, the term “slide deck” was born.

In modern times, slide decks are usually presented electronically, either as a PowerPoint presentation or as a PDF. However, the term slide deck has stuck and is still used to refer to a presentation, even though there may not be any physical slides involved.

Why should you use PowerPoint slide decks?

A slide deck is an important tool for any presenter. It allows you to organize your thoughts and present them in a visually appealing way.

A well-designed slide deck can engage your audience and help you deliver your message effectively.

Is a deck the same as a PowerPoint?

Honestly, you will hear the terms “deck”, “presentation”, and “PowerPoint” used interchangeably in business settings.

The key difference between a presentation and a deck is that a deck is a collection of slides and a PowerPoint presentation could be given in the form of a speech, video, or other formats.

What is a PowerPoint slide?

A PowerPoint slide is a digital version of a traditional slide that is used to convey information during a presentation.

Unlike a traditional slide, which is typically created using a physical projector and an overhead transparency, a PowerPoint slide is created using software such as Microsoft PowerPoint or Apple Keynote. PowerPoint slides can be shared electronically with others via email or through

Simply put, consider each slide to be a digital page in your overall story.

What is the difference between a slide and a slide deck?

A slide is an individual page in a presentation deck while a slide deck is an entire presentation.

Each slide typically contains one main idea that contributes to the overall message presented with the slide deck.

At this point, you might be wondering how to make a good slide deck.

Here are a few quick tips:

• Start with a strong title slide that will grab attention and set the tone for the rest of the presentation.
• Be sure to include an agenda slide so your audience knows what to expect during the presentation. This helps with audience engagement.
• Use clean slide designs that are easy to read and understand.
• Try to limit each slide to one main point. Use images and graphics to support these points and tell the story.
• End with a strong conclusion that recaps what you covered, includes a call-to-action, provides relevant resources, and leaves your audience with a positive impression.

Creating a great slide deck takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. A well-designed slide deck can help you deliver a powerful presentation that will inform your audience and inspire them to take action.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a slide deck and a slide show.

A slide deck is a collection of slides that are typically used to give a presentation, while a slide show is may include media like images and video instead of traditional slides.

Slide decks are often created using PowerPoint or other presentation software, while slide shows can be created using a multitude of other multimedia programs.

There are many similarities between slide decks and slide shows, but there are also some important differences.

One key difference between slide decks and slide shows is that slide decks are usually static, while slide shows are often dynamic.

This means that slide decks typically don’t change much from one presentation to the next, while slide shows can be changed or customized for each individual presentation.

Slide decks are also usually shorter than slide shows, and they typically only include the most important information.

What’s the difference between a slide deck and pitch deck?

As we discussed, a slide deck is a collection of slides. The topic of these slides can be nearly anything under the sun.

A pitch deck is also a collection of multiple slides but the main difference is that all the slides are meant to serve a very specific business-related purpose.

The main idea behind pitch decks is typically to gain interest from investors. This is done by showcasing the potential of your business idea and/or product.

So while a slide deck can be about anything, a pitch deck will always cover information that will be of interest to potential business stakeholders.

The term “slide deck” is also used in reference to other presentation software like Google Slides and Apple’s Keynote .

Now that you know the difference between a PowerPoint presentation and a slide deck, you know that they are powerful tools that can be used to deliver effective presentations and engage your audience.

What tips do you have for creating effective slide decks? How have you used slide decks in your own presentations or business communications? Leave a comment and let me know!

Whitney is a recognized Professional Development Expert, professional speaker, and the founder of Harness Your Power. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Florida State University and a Microsoft PowerPoint Specialist certification. She has been featured in Yahoo Finance, AOL, Authority Magazine, Business Insider, Fox and more. Read more.

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What Is a Powerpoint Deck?

A PowerPoint deck is a series of slides created in Microsoft PowerPoint to convey information. These decks can vary in complexity, and their design combines text, images, and multimedia for effective presentation.

Utilized for a range of purposes, from business pitches to educational lectures, the key to an impactful PowerPoint deck lies in its clarity and visual appeal. Strategic use of typography, imagery, and design elements ensures that the content engages and resonates with the audience.

At a Glance:

• PowerPoint decks are sequences of slides to convey information.
• Origin of “deck” traces back to old projectors.
• Presentations are live events; slide decks are the electronic files.
• Various slide layouts available in PowerPoint: text, visual, data.
• Good presentations are concise, well-designed, and rehearsed.
• Decks can be used live or as reference materials.

Understanding the PPT Deck

Difference between a presentation and slide deck, how can you create a deck in powerpoint, what should you include in a ppt deck, what makes a good powerpoint presentation.

It gets its name from the old deck projectors, which had a stack of presentation cards that were used to present ideas in front of an audience. In the same way, a PowerPoint deck is a stack or a deck of slides that are used for a presentation.

Building your deck is intuitive: add a new slide by tapping on the “+” icon or using the right-click menu. PowerPoint offers a diverse range of slide layouts, be it text-centric, visual-heavy with pictures or diagrams, or data-driven with tables and charts. For a dynamic touch, embed multimedia components like videos or audio clips. You can save it either as a universally accessible PDF or as a PowerPoint file for fellow PowerPoint users.

At its core, a presentation is a live event: a speaker, in real-time, uses slides to convey messages to an audience. The slide deck, on the other hand, is the electronic file holding those slides.

Think of it this way:

Presentation: Live event with slides viewed on a screen or projector. Slide Deck: The electronic file you open in programs like PowerPoint to see those slides. In presentations, slides often flow in organized sections or subsections. While in a slide deck, these markers might be hidden for a seamless view. However, a quick click on the Show/Hide button (usually at the bottom-right) can reveal or conceal them.

The versatility of slide decks extends beyond live displays; they serve as handy reference materials. For a room full of attendees, print the slide deck as handouts. And if sharing digitally? Simply email it or save to cloud storage.

To create a deck in PowerPoint, you need to create a new presentation and add slides to it. To add a slide, click on the plus sign (+) in the lower-left corner of the screen. This will open a menu where you can choose from a variety of slide designs.

Once you’ve added some slides to your deck, you’ll need to choose a layout for each one. The layout governs the placement of text and pictures on the slide. There are several different layouts to choose from, and you can change the layout of any slide at any time.

A good PPT deck should include a title slide, section markers, and slides for each section of your presentation. You’ll also want to add slides for your main points, as well as slides with graphics and charts.

If you’re sending a deck to someone else, you may also want to add a cover slide and table of contents. A cover slide is a slide that contains your name and the title of your presentation. A table of contents is a list of the slides in your deck, with links to each one.

When tasked with creating a PowerPoint presentation , understanding its fundamental components can make the difference between engaging your audience and losing their attention. Here are some guidelines to ensure your presentation stands out for the right reasons.

• Conciseness: Keep it brief and to the point. Slides should support, not overshadow, the speaker’s narrative.
• Effective Design: Use principles like contrast, alignment, and spacing to improve readability and aesthetics.
• Balanced Creativity: While adding unique elements can be beneficial, ensure they align with the overall message.
• Presentation > Slides: The slides are tools; the effectiveness of a presentation relies heavily on the delivery.
• Preparation: Dedicate time to practice and refine your delivery, ensuring you’re within the allocated time frame.

In essence, a memorable PowerPoint presentation is a blend of concise content, thoughtful design, and thorough preparation. By keeping these components in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to deliver a presentation that not only informs but also captivates your audience.

A PowerPoint deck is a file that contains the slides for a presentation. It can be used for live presentations or as a reference document. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful and informative slide decks that will impress your audience. We hope this article has helped you understand what a PowerPoint deck is and how to create one.

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What is a PowerPoint Deck:A Complete Guide

Many a time, whether it's an impending meeting or a need to deliver a presentation, we find ourselves unprepared. In such moments, the prospect of having a ready-made presentation that fulfills your objectives and looks impressive is a welcome solution. We live in an era where everything is readily available, and PowerPoint decks are no exception. But what exactly does a PowerPoint mean? And how can they benefit you? An even bigger question is, where can you find them? Rest assured, this guide will provide answers to all these inquiries, equipping you with the knowledge and resources to tackle presentations with confidence and efficiency, sparing you the need to painstakingly create them from scratch.

What is a PowerPoint Deck?

A PowerPoint Deck, also known as a "slide deck", refers to a presentation file or a series of presentations. Imagine it as a deck of cards where each card represents a slide in your presentation. It's important to note that while people often use the terms "presentation" and "slide deck" interchangeably, there's a key distinction between the two.

Difference between a Presentation and Slide Deck

A presentation is the act of conveying ideas, concepts, and messages through spoken words, while a slide deck serves as a visual aid to complement the presentation. Think of the slide deck as the visual support that helps you illustrate your points effectively during a presentation. Business professionals and marketers often use slide decks to showcase their projects, plans, and strategies, as they provide a structured and manageable way to organize and present information. In essence, a PowerPoint slide deck is like a collection of slides, much like how a deck of cards comprises individual cards, and together, they form a complete set.

Types of PowerPoint Decks

When crafting your presentation deck, understanding the nuances of your chosen style is key. Let's explore these common presentation types to help you tailor your slides effectively:

Informational Presentations: Also known as educational presentations, these are ideal for sharing essential information. From highlighting the benefits of a new community library to showcasing research findings, they provide valuable knowledge to your audience. Keep it concise, informative, and easily digestible.

Persuasive Pitches: If your goal is to persuade and convince, persuasive presentations are your weapon of choice. Identify a problem, propose a solution backed by compelling evidence, and watch your audience embrace your viewpoint. Think of it as your startup's pitch to investors - compelling and influential.

Decision-Making Decks: Frequently seen in corporate and government settings, these presentations drive crucial decision-making processes. Stakeholders come together to discuss issues, potential solutions, and weigh possible outcomes. For instance, when planning a marketing campaign, decision-making presentations help shape the best strategies.

Instructional Sessions: Similar to informational presentations, instructional ones focus on educating your audience. However, they go a step further, delving into the realm of teaching. From workshops to webinars, these presentations equip your audience with new skills or knowledge, empowering them to apply what they've learned.

Each presentation type serves a distinct purpose, and understanding them empowers you to tailor your content for maximum impact. So, choose your style wisely, craft your slides thoughtfully, and captivate your audience with the power of effective presentations.

Benefits of Using PowerPoint Deck

Imagine you're a sales professional, and you're gearing up to pitch your product to a potential client. The success of this pitch could hinge on your ability to convey your message effectively. This is where a well-structured PowerPoint deck comes into play. It's not just a collection of slides; it's a powerful tool that can transform your presentation into a persuasive and compelling narrative. Let's look into some of the key features that make a PowerPoint deck an invaluable asset for your presentations:

Visual Clarity: PowerPoint simplifies complex ideas into clear visuals, including charts and graphs, enhancing data comprehension.

Audience Engagement: Well-designed decks keep audiences engaged by strategically using visuals, bullet points, and minimal text.

Structure and Organization: It acts as a roadmap, with sections, headings, and bullet points ensuring a coherent flow of information.

Versatility: PowerPoint adapts to various presentation types, whether it's a sales pitch, training module, or academic lecture.

Time Efficiency: It allows you to convey information succinctly, saving time while covering essential points.

Consistency: Ensures branding consistency in the corporate environment by incorporating company branding elements.

Remote Presentation: Easily integrates with virtual meeting tools like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, simplifying remote presentations.

Easy Updates: Effortlessly update presentations when information changes, ensuring content remains current.

Audience Takeaways: Provides handouts or digital copies for valuable references, allowing the audience to revisit key points.

Feedback Integration: Track audience responses and incorporate feedback into future presentations for improved engagement.

How to Create a PowerPoint Deck?

Crafting an exceptional slide deck is an art, and with these unique steps, you can master the process to create a PowerPoint Deck that truly stands out.

Step 1: Power up

Launch the PowerPoint tool, such as WPS Office, and let your creativity flow.

Step 2: Structure Your Vision

Plan the layout and hierarchy of your presentation. Think of it as the blueprint for your masterpiece.

Step 3: Title Triumph

Begin with a title slide that captivates your audience, setting the tone for your topic.

Step 4: Slide by Slide

Develop the following slides, each bearing a relevant title. Ensure a logical flow that guides your audience seamlessly.

Step 5: Visual Vibrance

Elevate your presentation using images, videos, and infographics tailored to your project's requirements. Visuals speak volumes.

Step 6: Animate and Captivate

Add animations and transitions to breathe life into your slides. Enhance the visual appeal and keep your audience engaged.

Step 7: Lasting Impression

Conclude with "Thanks" and "Any Questions" slides, leaving a professional and courteous impression.

Step 8: Preserve Your Work

Save your work, and consider keeping it on a reliable hard drive or in the cloud for easy access.

Step 10: Ready to Shine

Now, you're prepared to present your amazing creation. Let your hard work and creativity shine through, captivating your audience.

How to Make Your Presentation Standing Out?

Tips of making stunning presentation.

Your slide deck is more than just a collection of slides; it's your canvas to create a stunning presentation. Here are three unique techniques to elevate your slide deck:

Visualize Your Brilliance:

Unlock the power of visuals! Incorporate infographics, such as Harvey Balls, graphs, Venn diagrams, and other engaging graphics to make your slide deck visually captivating.

Create your own infographics or visual slides within PowerPoint, adding that personal touch to your presentation.

To master these visual techniques, explore WPS Academy for in-depth guidance.

Less Text, More Impact:

Balance is key. Less text, more visuals - this is the mantra. Slide decks aren't research reports; they're engaging narratives.

Embrace concise and impactful content. Engage with your audience through your words, not overwhelm them.

Prioritize your audience's focus, making your presentation more productive.

Design Consistency is Key:

From start to finish, maintain a consistent design. Your choice of colors, fonts, style, and messaging should flow seamlessly.

Consistency enhances engagement and ensures your message is both memorable and impactful.

Bonus Tips:

Trim the Fat: Less is often more in presentations. Remove excessive content and maintain clarity.

Phased Introductions: Create intrigue by revealing content in stages with animations.

Start Outside PowerPoint: Develop your content and structure outside of PowerPoint for a well-organized slide deck.

Embrace Graphics: Remember, you're here to visualize your message. Incorporate images, shapes, charts, and more to engage and captivate your audience.

Incorporate these techniques, and your slide deck will be a true work of art, leaving a lasting impact on your audience.

Top Design Trends For PowerPoint Slide Decks In 2023

Embrace Spaciousness

Open up your slides by simplifying and reducing clutter for a modern, spacious design.

Masterful Layering

Create depth and professionalism by artfully layering slide elements. Use color-blocked shapes as a base, and add text and images on top.

Elegant Typography

Opt for clean, readable fonts like Sans Serif to achieve a sophisticated, modern look.

High-Quality Visuals

Modern design thrives on high-quality images. Select impactful visuals for a sleek presentation.

Streamlined Color Palette

Keep your color palette minimal with two or three harmonious shades for a cohesive, trendy look.

Free Wonderful WPS Presentation Deck Templates

We discussed how to create PowerPoint decks and offered some tips for improvement. However, we understand that this may not be feasible for everyone. This is where WPS Templates comes into play as an excellent solution. With professionally designed templates that strike the perfect balance between simplicity and elegance, WPS Templates provides PowerPoint decks that are ideal for making a lasting impact on your audience. Let's explore a selection of templates available in the WPS Template Store , ready for your use.

Watercolor New Work Summary

The Watercolor New Work Summary PowerPoint template is a vibrant and creative choice for summarizing your work accomplishments, challenges, and future plans. It offers a variety of slide layouts, including title, content, chart, table, and timeline designs. With a captivating watercolor style featuring a range of colors and patterns, along with icons and images, this template is visually appealing. It's user-friendly, allowing for easy customization of colors, fonts, images, and content to align with your specific needs.

Modern Dark Business Plan

The Modern Dark Business Plan PowerPoint template is a professional choice for delivering a compelling business plan. It includes a range of slide layouts like introduction, mission, vision, market analysis, SWOT analysis, marketing strategy, and financial plan. The template's dark color scheme with blue and yellow accents, along with charts, graphs, icons, and images, enhances its visual appeal. It's easily customizable, enabling you to adjust colors, fonts, images, and content as needed.

Clean Pitch Deck Presentation

The Clean Pitch Deck Presentation template is a sleek and versatile choice for presenting your business concepts. It offers a variety of slide layouts, including a cover, agenda, team, problem, solution, market, traction, and roadmap. The minimalist design with white backgrounds and subtle blue accents, along with included icons and illustrations, enhances visual appeal. This template is highly customizable, allowing you to easily adjust colors, fonts, images, and content to align with your specific requirements. It's an ideal option for creating a professional and engaging presentation for investors and clients.

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Q1. How to change PowerPoint templates?

Step 1: Open your PowerPoint presentation.

Step 2: Click on the "File" tab in the upper-left corner of the screen.

Step 3: In the "New" section, you have several options:

To use a personal or workgroup template, select "New from existing" or "Personal" based on your needs.

To search for a template, use the "Search for a template" option.

Step 4: Choose a featured template or theme from the gallery by clicking on it.

Once you've selected a template, a preview will appear. Click the "Create" button.

The new template will be applied to your presentation. If you don't have existing slides to import, you can begin creating new slides in your newly themed presentation. If you have existing slides that you want to apply the template to, follow the next section.

Q2. How do I convert my PowerPoint deck to other formats for sharing?

Step 2: Click on the "Share" option within the PowerPoint software.

Step 3: If your presentation isn't already saved on OneDrive, choose where to store it in the cloud.

Step 4: Determine the permission level for your audience, whether it's "Anyone with a link" or restricted to your company. You can specify whether viewers can edit or only view the document.

Step 5: Apply the selected settings.

Step 6: Enter the recipients' names and include a personalized message.

Step 7: Click "Send" to share the presentation.

Step 8: Alternatively, you can copy the generated link and paste it into an email, social media post, or even a text message, providing flexibility for sharing your content across various platforms.

PowerPoint Decks: Your Path to Powerful Presentations

Using a PowerPoint deck saves valuable time, allowing us to focus more on our presentation. In this article, we've not only learned what a PowerPoint deck is but also discovered how to enhance it. If you're considering creating a PowerPoint deck or using a free template, consider trying WPS Office. It offers a one-stop solution, providing not only professional templates for PowerPoint decks but also the flexibility to create your own. With a sleek and modern interface, WPS Office offers a user-friendly experience with a wide array of advanced tools. Download WPS Office now and create a PowerPoint deck that matches your style.

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15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.

What is a PowerPoint Deck? An Ultimate Guide

Last updated on July 6th, 2023

Are you a businessman who needs a consistent flow of presentations for your everyday routine? Being a marketing specialist, an educationalist, and any other professional, you would always have used presentations in your life. The presentations help us convey our ideas more effectively by engaging the audience’s attention towards our main topic of discussion.

Slide decks are also presentations comprising multiple slides depicting various information and data like pictures, videos, charts, infographics, and more. One of the main objectives of the slide decks is that they break down the overall complex structure of the topic and turn it into easily understandable smaller parts. The quality of the data and information remains intact while the presenter is also facilitated due to the slide decks’ supportive interface and manageable structure.

PowerPoint Deck is a term people call a presentation or collection of PowerPoint slides . Even more, it is often used to call a collection of PowerPoint presentations. Instead of using the term presentation to refer to a .ppt file, sometimes the term PowerPoint deck is used, which stands more for the collection of PowerPoint slides rather than the presentation method using PowerPoint or the presenter standing up talking with the slides. Sometimes a deck is an unbound printout of the presentation given to the participants.

Also known as “slide deck” or just “PowerPoint deck”, the term means a presentation file or a series of presentations.

Difference between a Presentation and Slide Deck

While many of us confuse a presentation with the slide deck, there is a difference between both terms. Both terms are used interchangeably without knowing their context and meaning.

The major difference between a presentation and a slide deck is that a presentation is a process of conveying ideas, concepts, and messages through talks and speeches while the slide decks offer a visual aid to the presentations.

A slide deck is mainly used for representing organizations for sharing their projects, plans, and business strategies on various levels. Business professionals and marketers most of the time leverage the easy to manage and control process of developing and presenting slide decks.

Historical Perspective

Historically speaking, the slide decks have a very charming past as compared to other tools being used in the industry. Previously, an instrument named “Carousel Slide Projector” was used for presenting the slide show of the slides that were mainly put in the body of the projector in the form of photos and pictures.

With an amazing capacity to handle about 40 to 80 slides per show which was a great feature back then, Carousel Slide Projector was able to present a slide show in the given time according to the requirements of the presenter. However, there were some controllability issues but still, it was a great product back then and was mostly used by academics, researchers, and businessmen all over the world. The slides that were known collectively in the presentation were known as slide decks.

Are Slide Deck and Slideshow the same?

These two terms usually resonate together in the readers’ minds. But there is a clear difference between Slide Deck and Slideshow. Both terms, Slide Deck and Slideshows, are used in the context of presentations, but a slight change in the keywords creates a significant difference in the themes and concepts of these words.

A slide deck is usually known as a collection of the slides in a presentation and a slide show is a process through which these slides are presented, or described to any audience.

Usually, a slideshow covers the whole of the screen and it is not as editable as a single slide of the slide deck. The slide show is usually exposed on an electronic device or projector through which a presenter effectively shares the visuals and graphics of his presentation with the audience sitting in front of him.

What is PowerPoint?

Slide decks existed in the form of physical slides being shown on a projector, way before the revolution of digital technology. But with the passage of time, the need for the latest technologies and tools became more common in the marketplaces and everyday life due to ever-increasing developments in the business and scientific world. Hence the PowerPoint-like software were introduced to effectively design and present presentations on various PC systems like Computer, Laptops, and even tablets, etc.

Initially, it was released by Forethought Inc in 1987 that was only available for Mac OS. Later on, the entire software system was purchased by Microsoft and was rebranded as Microsoft PowerPoint and it is still present in the ownership of Microsoft.

What is a PowerPoint Template?

A PowerPoint template is a presentation file that includes information about the layouts, color, and fonts, and you can use them as a starting point when preparing a new presentation. With so many options available, you can easily find a template matching your company’s branding or the specific look you’re seeking. PowerPoint Templates (PPT templates) also save you time by providing a pre-designed layout that you can simply fill in with your own content. Best of all, PowerPoint templates are easy to use and can be applied with just a few clicks.

Many sites are offering paid & free PowerPoint templates with different themes, styles, and designs. PowerPoint also has built-in PowerPoint templates that you can use in the PowerPoint editor when you start a new presentation. Other presentation providers, such as SlideModel, offer a vast catalog of presentation templates and PowerPoint slides with stunning infographics and visual designs that you can use to save time preparing your presentations.

So if you’re looking to add a little extra polish to your next presentation, be sure to check out some of the great PowerPoint templates available online.

Slide Deck and Pitch Deck

What is the slide deck meaning? Various forms of the presentation styles that have been introduced gradually have created some confusion in the minds of the readers regarding the basic terminologies of those types and their meanings. The same is the case for the Slide deck and Pitch deck where many people will confuse the terms as similar to each other.

In the digital boom of the business world, every startup and entrepreneur needs persuasive strategies to raise funds and gain more investments for their businesses. Pitch decks are one of the great ways to do that.

While slide decks are simply the collection of the slides , the pitch decks , on the other hand, represent the specific type of presentations that are mainly used for raising funding and grabbing investments for businesses and startups, or to present an idea to investors.

You can refer to a pitch deck as a slide deck but not all slide decks are pitch decks.

PowerPoint Slide Deck

There are a number of ways to create slide decks as they are one of the most commonly used words for developing presentations, even before the evolution of technological developments.

So, what is a slide deck? Slide decks were present in the form of physical slides being shown on a projector previously but when they are designed, structured, compiled, and presented through a software named PowerPoint, then they are known as PowerPoint slide decks. Being one of the most widely used software (almost 500 million users worldwide) PowerPoint presentations are one of the most easily manageable and customizable software.

Another great feature of PowerPoint templates is that they can be used to edit, and customize the pre-made templates of the presentations to save your time and resources being spent on the designing and developing of the presentations from scratch.

Websites like Free PowerPoint Templates can be used to download thousands of professionally crafted templates for free to be used in your every possible business, marketing, educational, or any other project.

Slide Decks in Google Slides

The Google Slides, another important and well-known presentation software, is also widely used by consumers who mostly prefer a web-based software to cater to their needs. Google Slides also offer a variety of options to its users to create engaging designs and themes incorporating diagrams, graphs, charts, tables, infographics, and various other visuals available to be used for your every need.

The slide decks that are being developed in the Google Slides Software are known as Google Slides’ decks.

How to Create a Slide Deck in PowerPoint?

By following these steps, you can easily develop your next great slide deck allowing you to create a slide deck in PowerPoint.

• Start and open the PowerPoint tool
• Plan the structure and hierarchy of your presentation
• Start by creating a title slide with a persuasive title for your topic
• Develop the remaining slides by giving the relevant title to each of the slides
• You can use images, videos, and infographics too according to your project’s needs
• There are also options to add animation and transitions. The design and visual appeal of the presentation can be effectively enhanced using those options.
• End your presentation with complimentary “Thanks” and “Any questions” slides
• Save your work and keep your presentation in either a hard disk or cloud-based storage network
• Present Your amazing presentation

3 Tips to Enhance your Slide Deck’s Productivity

Your next slide deck should be your flagship project as you know almost all the important factors and terminologies related to the slide deck. However, if you need some additional boats, there are some more techniques and tips to polish your slide deck more.

Tip #1. Add Visuals

Always add more visuals to your slide deck to make it more appealing to your listeners. The attention rate of the audience is always more towards visual representation as our brain processes visual data 60,000 times faster than contextual information. Hence incorporating a considerable amount of graphics and design elements in your presentation will not be a bad idea. You can add infographics, photos, charts, tables, and much more by using Different software tools like PowerPoint and Google Slides. PowerPoint features include the possibility to insert icons, images, videos or alternatively you can create your own infographics and visual slides in PowerPoint from scratch.

Tip #2. Write Less, Speak More

Your presentation should not be as long as a research report and also not as short as a highway billboard. There should be a balance between words and imagery. But it is always recommended by experts that presentations with fewer words and more visuals help the presenter to divert its attention more towards the audience, which elevates the overall focus of the audience that boosting the productivity of the presentation.

Tip #3. Develop a Consistent Design

The design of your presentation should be confident from the start to the end. The color strategy, the font style, the anthem, and the overall message of the presentation should be maintained throughout the course of delivering a presentation to increase the overall engagement rate of the audience.

Final Words

Slide decks deliver the message of a speaker more conveniently incorporating the visual and graphical elements in its core structure. The retention rate of the interest of the listeners can be enhanced significantly if the slide decks are designed by using the latest softwares like PowerPoint and Google Slides. The animations, transitions, tables, charts, engaging diagrams and other visuals all make the slide decks a number one choice for the marketers and businessmen to present their business plans, ideas, and future business strategies to their stakeholders effectively.

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10 tips on how to make slides that communicate your idea, from TED’s in-house expert

When your slides rock, your whole presentation pops to life. At TED2014, David Epstein created a clean, informative slide deck to support his talk on the changing bodies of athletes . Photo: James Duncan Davidson/TED

Aaron Weyenberg is the master of slide decks. Our UX Lead creates Keynote presentations that are both slick and charming—the kind that pull you in and keep you captivated, but in an understated way that helps you focus on what’s actually being said. He does this for his own presentations and for lots of other folks in the office. Yes, his coworkers ask him to design their slides, because he’s just that good.

We asked Aaron to bottle his Keynote mojo so that others could benefit from it. Here, 10 tips for making an effective slide deck, split into two parts: the big, overarching goals, and the little tips and tricks that make your presentation sing.

Aaron used this image of a New Zealand disaster to kick off a slide deck from TED’s tech team — all about how they prepares for worst-case scenarios. He asked for permission to use the image, and credited the photographer, Blair Harkness. View the whole slidedeck from this presentation.

The big picture…

• Think about your slides last . Building your slides should be the tail end of developing your presentation. Think about your main message, structure its supporting points, practice it and time it—and then start thinking about your slides. The presentation needs to stand on its own; the slides are just something you layer over it to enhance the listener experience. Too often, I see slide decks that feel more like presenter notes, but I think it’s far more effective when the slides are for the audience to give them a visual experience that adds to the words. .
• Create a consistent look and feel . In a good slide deck, each slide feels like part of the same story. That means using the same or related typography, colors and imagery across all your slides. Using pre-built master slides can be a good way to do that, but it can feel restrictive and lead to me-too decks. I like to create a few slides to hold sample graphic elements and type, then copy what I need from those slides as I go. .
• Think about topic transitions . It can be easy to go too far in the direction of consistency, though. You don’t want each slide to look exactly the same. I like to create one style for the slides that are the meat of what I’m saying, and then another style for the transitions between topics. For example, if my general slides have a dark background with light text, I’ll try transition slides that have a light background with dark text. That way they feel like part of the same family, but the presentation has texture—and the audience gets a visual cue that we’re moving onto a new topic. .
• With text, less is almost always more . One thing to avoid—slides with a lot of text, especially if it’s a repeat of what you’re saying out loud. It’s like if you give a paper handout in a meeting—everyone’s head goes down and they read, rather than staying heads-up and listening. If there are a lot of words on your slide, you’re asking your audience to split their attention between what they’re reading and what they’re hearing. That’s really hard for a brain to do, and it compromises the effectiveness of both your slide text and your spoken words. If you can’t avoid having text-y slides, try to progressively reveal text (like unveiling bullet points one by one) as you need it. .
• Use photos that enhance meaning . I love using simple, punchy photos in presentations, because they help what you’re saying resonate in your audience’s mind without pulling their attention from your spoken words. Look for photos that (1) speak strongly to the concept you’re talking about and (2) aren’t compositionally complex. Your photo could be a metaphor or something more literal, but it should be clear why the audience is looking at it, and why it’s paired with what you’re saying. For example, I recently used the image above—a photo of a container ship about to tip over (it eventually sank)—to lead off a co-worker’s deck about failure preparation. And below is another example of a photo I used in a deck to talk about the launch of the new TED.com . The point I was making was that a launch isn’t the end of a project—it’s the beginning of something new. We’ll learn, adapt, change and grow.

Here, a lovely image from a slidedeck Aaron created about the redesign of TED.com . View the whole deck from this presentation .

And now some tactical tips…

• Go easy on the effects and transitions . Keynote and Powerpoint come with a lot of effects and transitions. In my opinion, most of these don’t do much to enhance the audience experience. At worst, they subtly suggest that the content of your slides is so uninteresting that a page flip or droplet transition will snap the audience out of their lethargy. If you must use them, use the most subtle ones, and keep it consistent. .

• Try panning large images . Often, I want to show screen shot of an entire web page in my presentations. There’s a great Chrome extension to capture these—but these images are oftentimes much longer than the canvas size of the presentation. Rather than scaling the image to an illegible size, or cropping it, you can pan it vertically as you talk about it. In Keynote, this is done with a Move effect, which you can apply from an object’s action panel. .
• For video, don’t use autoplay . It’s super easy to insert video in Keynote and Powerpoint—you just drag a Quicktime file onto the slide. And when you advance the deck to the slide with the video that autoplays, sometimes it can take a moment for the machine to actually start playing it. So often I’ve seen presenters click again in an attempt to start the video during this delay, causing the deck to go to the next slide. Instead, set the video to click to play. That way you have more predictable control over the video start time, and even select a poster frame to show before starting. .

Lastly, I’d love to leave you with a couple book recommendations. The first is Resonate , by Nancy Duarte. It’s not so much about slides, but about public speaking in general – which is the foundation for any presentation, regardless of how great your slides are. In it, she breaks down the anatomy of what makes a great presentation, how to establish a central message and structure your talk, and more. (One of her case studies comes from Benjamin Zander’s charming TED Talk about classical music, a talk that captivated the audience from start to finish.) Think of this as prerequisite reading for my second recommendation, also by Duarte: Slide:ology . This is more focused on presentation visuals and slides.

Happy slide-making.

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Everything You Need to Know About Slide Decks

Whether it’s for a new business proposal or a school assignment, making a great presentation can be difficult. If you’ve ever Googled “how do I make a great presentation?” you may have been hit with tons of information and new lingo. 

One of these new words you may have heard in association with presentations is a “slide deck.” In this article, we will go through everything you need to know about slide decks, why they are beneficial, and how you can make a great one for your next presentation!

What’s a Slide Deck? 

A slide deck is a collection of slides organized together to form a cohesive presentation. Slide decks are presentation tools that allow presenters to share their ideas with an audience. The slides can be used to showcase text, images, or multimedia content.

Slide decks are typically used for presentations, but they can also be used for other purposes such as training materials or educational materials. They are a versatile tool that can be adapted to meet the needs of any situation.

What is the Difference Between a Slide Deck and a Slideshow? 

When it comes to presentations, there is a lot of confusion about the difference between a slide deck and a slideshow. Both terms are often used interchangeably, but there is actually a big distinction between the two.

A slide deck is a collection of slides that are designed to be shown together as a cohesive presentation. A slideshow, on the other hand, is simply a sequence of images that are displayed one after the other.

Slide decks can be used for a variety of purposes, such as pitching an idea to investors, giving a company update to employees, or delivering a TED talk.

Slideshows, on the other hand, can be used for things like sharing vacation photos with friends and family, displaying a portfolio of work, or telling a story.

How Do You Make a Good Slide Deck? 

Making a good slide deck can be the difference between a presentation that is well-received and one that falls flat. Here are some tips to help you create an effective slide deck:

1. A Strong Thesis Statement.

Your thesis should be clear and concise, and it should outline the main points you want to make in your presentation.

2. Support Your Information, Don’t Repeat it

Your slides should provide visual aids that help explain your points, not recap what you’ve already said.

3. Keep Your Slides Simple.

Too much text or too many visuals can be overwhelming for viewers. Stick to a few key points per slide, and use typography and images to convey your message.

4. Practice

It’s important to test your slide deck on family and friends before giving your presentation in front of a live audience. This will help you identify any potential problems and make necessary adjustments.

When crafting a presentation, it helps to do some research into exactly what makes a good presentation. Some of that comes from understanding the lingo associated with presentations, like a slide deck. If you have more questions about slide decks and how to make a great presentation, contact Kristian Olson Art and Design .

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What is a Pitch Deck? Examples, Tips and Templates

Written by: Mahnoor Sheikh

A pitch deck is a brief presentation that gives potential investors or clients an overview of your business plan, products, services and growth traction.

As an entrepreneur, you probably know this: your company or idea needs financing.

Oftentimes, this financing will come from external sources—i.e. people who aren’t friends or family. This means that you’ll need to communicate your ideas to potential financiers in a way that gets them excited about investing in your business.

In other words, you’ll need a pitch deck .

Here’s a short selection of 8 easy-to-edit pitch deck templates you can edit, share and download with Visme. View more templates below:

Table of Contents

What is a pitch deck, what’s included in a pitch deck presentation, 8 real-life pitch decks to know, the dos and don'ts of pitch decks, how to create a pitch deck in 3 easy steps, pitch deck faqs, looking for presentation software.

• A pitch deck is a visual presentation that tells the story of a business to persuade and engage potential investors.
• The most common pitch deck slides are introduction, problem, solution, market size and opportunity, product, traction, team, competition, financials and use of funds.
• Learn from the eight real-life pitch deck examples to get inspired about creating your own.
• Visme helps you create pitch deck presentations to secure funding in just three steps: choose a template, customize it and download or present it.
• Sign up for Visme's free online presentation software and start customizing your pitch deck templates now.

A pitch deck, also known as a start-up or investor pitch deck, is a presentation that helps potential investors learn more about your business.

As strange as it sounds, the primary goal of a pitch deck is not to secure funding—it’s to make it to the next meeting.

Surprised? Wait, let me explain!

Securing funding is a multi-step process. A good, informative pitch deck is the first rung on the ladder. You’ll want to present investors with an idea that intrigues them and gets them to engage with you.

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What is a Pitch Deck Presentation?

A pitch deck presentation usually consists of several slides that help you tell a compelling story about your business . You can put one together using a generic software like PowerPoint or use a modern tool like Visme to create an out-of-the-box presentation.

What is an Investor Deck?

An investor deck is a presentation entrepreneurs prepare when seeking financing rounds from investors. It presents valuable information about the business, which is critical when seeking financing or looking to convince the best investors.

Interested in learning more about creating compelling investor decks? Read this article and take advantage of our professional design templates to get started.

It’s tempting to dump information onto investors. As a founder, every part of your business is important to you. But the best pitch decks are ones that are short and easy to follow.

A good rule of thumb is to include no more than 19 slides in a pitch deck.

There are many different opinions about the components of a pitch deck. But when we looked at some successful startup pitch decks out there, we noticed 10 key slides included in most of the presentations.

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Let’s take a look at each of these slides in detail.

1 Introduction

The first slide of your pitch deck is also the most important one. It’s your chance to make a great first impression, so make sure you don’t let this opportunity go.

Keep the introduction slide short and sweet—tell people who you are and why you’re here.

You can also use this slide to communicate the value proposition of your business . Try to articulate it in a single phrase or sentence, like:

“We make video games for doctors.”

“We make Happy Meals for adults.”

“We’re Sephora for pets.”

You get the point.

A good value proposition will make your audience sit up straight and want to listen to the rest of your presentation.

Image Source

If your business idea doesn’t solve an actual problem, what are you doing?

You should identify a problem your target audience faces, a gap that the market is currently not addressing.

A good problem slide will identify two or three problems your product will tackle without being long-winding. Keep the text focused so that investors will have an easy time following.

Airbnb’s ‘problem slide’ from their original pitch desk is a great example.

In this slide, identify a concise and clear solution that investors can easily follow. This is an important slide that makes your product deck captivating.

Airbnb’s solution slide highlights how they aim to solve each of the three problems they pointed out earlier in big and bold letters.

In this slide, identify a concise and clear solution that investors can easily follow.

Airbnb’s solution slide highlights how they aim to solve each of three problems they pointed out earlier in big and bold letters.

Avoid making grand statements like “we are the only ones doing this.” Most people in the room will probably know multiple companies trying to address the problem you’ve identified.

Another good strategy is to offer multiple possible solutions to the problem presented and then move on to the one you have chosen and why. This shows investors your dedication and research.

Instead of uniqueness, focus your presentation on your research, drive, commitment and capability in solving the problem.

But make sure you don’t put all of that on your slide. Keep it simple and to the point, and let these guidelines shape your entire presentation.

Airbnb Pitch Deck Template

Here's a pitch deck template inspired by Airbnb that you can customize for your own startup.

Customize now!

Customize this pitch deck template to make it your own! Edit and Download Now

Visme's AI Writer is a game-changer for crafting pitch decks. It provides clear, concise information, making sure your pitch deck impresses every audience. Just explain the tool about what you want write and it will take care of the rest.

4 Market Size and Opportunity

When creating a sales pitch structure, be sure to include a summary of your market research.

The market will determine if you get your funding or not. If you are operating in a small market, investors might find that the potential ROI is too small or too risky to fund you.

Using sources from your research, a solid market slide will graph out past market growth and future potential market growth so that investors can easily see what the potential of your product is.

A good example of a market size slide is from Lunchbox’s pitch deck.

Notice how the slide clearly shows the market size and identifies the opportunity in measurable numbers.

Create a powerful pitch deck in minutes!

• Choose from hundreds of ready-to-use templates
• Customize text, images, logos and more
• Add interactive buttons and animations

This is the part where you show off the actual product or service your business is selling.

If it’s a physical product, add professional photos of your product from different angles. You can also include exploded or cutaway views that highlight the materials and features of your product.

If your product is an app, online tool or service, consider adding screenshots that show off its most unique features.

Dandelion Energy's product slide includes a comprehensive explanation of their product in a concise and easy-to-understand manner with an illustrated graphic.

To take things further, you can also do a physical demo of your product in the middle of your presentation. Or embed a video or link into your slide to do a virtual demo.

TouristEye Pitch Deck Template

Here's a pitch deck template inspired by TouristEye that you can customize for your own startup.

This slide should be all about the growth of your business—the numbers of sales you’ve made, the major goals you’ve achieved till now and the next steps.

Most startups include a hockey stick growth chart in the traction slide of their pitch deck.

This slide in Buffer’s pitch deck is a great example of how you can show off your current achievements to investors.

The traction slide plays a crucial role in crafting a compelling pitch deck for investors as it reduces risk in their eyes. They want to see proof that your business idea or solution has what it takes to be profitable.

Buffer Pitch Deck Template

Here's a pitch deck template inspired by Buffer that you can customize for your own startup.

Customize this pitch deck template to make it your own!

• Add your own text, images, logo and more
• Customize anything to fit your brand image and content needs

Your pitch deck outline will include your core team members. The investor is interested in the drive of these people and what makes them unique enough to see this project to its success.

Under each core team member, consider including bullets, descriptions or titles that show why they are central to your mission.

Here’s an example of a team slide from Teton AI's pitch deck.

Keep the members here limited to your core team. Advisors need not be included.

8 Competition

Utilize the competition slide to visually illustrate your competitors and communicate the factors that make your startup special.

Airbnb has a great slide in this regard.

Notice how they use affordability and ease of access as the driving force setting their business apart from other travel or listing companies.

Buzzfeed also does great by showing how they offer more than what their competition can. They use their plan to reach across the aisle and offer the services of multiple competitors as their selling point.

Buzzfeed Pitch Deck Template

Here's a pitch deck template inspired by Buzzfeed that you can customize for your own startup.

9 Financials

The financials slide in your pitch deck is one that investors spend the most time looking over.

Your pitch deck outline should contain your company’s projected growth over the next three to five years, along with details about your business model and finances.

Enlive’s pitch deck does a good job at showcasing their income statement projection in this slide.

Create engaging data visualizations for your presentations!

• Upload an Excel file or sync with live data from Google sheets
• Choose from 16+ types of charts, from bar and line graphs to pyramid and Mekko charts
• Customize anything, from backgrounds and placement of labels to font style and color

The use of colors and a bar chart makes the financials easier to understand and definitely look more interesting than a boring spreadsheet full of numbers.

A lot of this information is not set in stone. No one can accurately predict where you’ll be in the next three years, but investors expect to see you outline your plan and show that you have the financial knowledge to reach it.

You can also explain your economic plan here. This includes your operating structure and distribution channels as well as your plan to make money.

10 Investment and Use of Funds

Before you wrap up, don’t forget to tell investors what you need from them.

But instead of just asking for a certain amount of funding, also let them know what you plan to do with the money.

When you justify your ask, it helps build trust and lets investors take you seriously.

Here’s a no-nonsense investment slide from Intercom’s original pitch deck as an example.

Remember to be strategic here. Let your investors know the amount you are asking for, but keep it real. You don’t want to lose out on a big investment simply by aiming too high. Cover your bases.

Intercom Pitch Deck Template

Here's a pitch deck template inspired by Intercom that you can customize for your own startup.

While there’s no universal structure for creating pitch decks, make sure your pitch deck outline contains the slides we’ve highlighted.

When it comes to choosing pitch deck dimensions, you can either use the 4:3 aspect ratio or 16:9 aspect ratio. When emailing your pitch, ensure the file size isn’t larger than 10MB.

Learning from real examples is like getting advice from experts. By looking at what has worked for other businesses, you can better understand how you should design your own pitch deck.

So, here are some good pitch decks and examples that real-life companies have used recently to secure funding.

1. Finix ($126M)

Finix's pitch deck presents a tailored solution for businesses to manage payments, emphasizing their platform's efficiency and scalability. It effectively visualizes their unique value proposition, revenue model and market opportunity with a sleek and professional design that reflects their purpose well.

2. Softr ($15.7M)

Softr's deck uses aesthetic consistency with clear visuals to highlight their no-code platform's functionalities. Their compelling narrative includes discussion on market trends, competitive differentiation and growth plans, capturing the essence of their vision.

3. Lunchbox ($72.1M)

Lunchbox is a restaurant technology platform that enhances the customer experience by offering online ordering, loyalty programs, and other digital solutions to streamline operations.

They've cleverly included lots of additional visual elements like icons, illustrations, charts and data visuals in their presentation. Everything in their deck shows how they mix food and technology together.

If you want to elevate your pitch deck's visual appeal using unique and high-quality graphics, like this example, Visme's AI image generator is there to help.

It can help you generate any graphic in different formats, like icons, illustrations, drawings, abstracts and more. Use the tool to generate a high-quality graphic to emphasize your pitch deck content.

4. Plum ($82.4M)

With its sleek, minimalist design, Plum's pitch deck establishes its mission to automate wealth management effectively. Their slides are rich with data on target markets, growth strategies and financial projections, reflecting their drive to democratize personal finance. Also, they limited their slides to 9 and still managed to cover enough.

5. Teton AI ($6.4M)

Teton's pitch deck features a clean and professional design, aligning with its focus on cutting-edge AI technology in healthcare. They've used Venn diagrams, charts, shapes and high-quality, relevant images to emphasize their deep learning and computer vision products.

6. Vue Storefront ($38.9M)

Vue Storefront's pitch deck smartly incorporates its brand color – a refreshing green scheme. This not only aligns with their brand identity but also infuses vibrancy and a distinctive sense of innovation into the design.

They used boxes for text organization to convey clarity and structure, making information easily digestible.

7. Party Round ($7M)

Party Round, with a recent funding of $7 million, is dedicated to simplifying the fundraising process for founders.

This pitch deck is smartly designed with a balanced layout that quietly hints at automation and user-friendliness. The use of big letters boldly captures attention, while adding 3D design elements adds a layer of dynamism, creating a visually engaging presentation that stands out.

8. Dandelion Energy ($134.5M)

The color choice of Dandelion Energy's pitch deck aligns with the company's focus on sustainable energy, evoking warmth and eco-friendliness. The deck incorporates visual elements such as bar graphs, images, and an illustration to vividly explain how their geothermal product works.

Now that you’re clear on what a pitch deck is and what a good one contains, let’s take a look at some common dos and don’ts for creating and giving powerful pitch presentations.

But before that, make sure you watch the video below on the top pitch deck design tips for creating the perfect startup pitch.

When Designing 

Do use bullet points on slides..

Remember that this is a presentation with a short time span. Make your sales pitch deck brief and to the point.

Don’t overwhelm your audience with a lot of text. Explain the things you want to explain in detail but don’t cram them onto your slides.

DON’T stuff your slides with text.

As you can see from the examples above, it’s best to have bullets, not paragraphs, on slides.

Furthermore, use large font sizes, lots of visuals and a readable color scheme. This will help you put together an engaging and informative presentation.

DO include your contact details.

Make sure you include your contact information at the end of your presentation to let your audience know who to reach out to for queries.

Here is the contact slide from Facebook’s 2004 pitch deck.

This slide also allows your business to have a ‘face’ and encourages investors to look this person up.

DON’T add too many team members.

In your Team slide, stick to core members. Too many executives can overwhelm; your investors want to know who is piloting the ship.

When Presenting

Do tell a story..

Make sure you present your audience with an engaging narrative that allows them to feel why your business is tackling the problem it is and how this will affect them.

DON’T focus on only the stats.

Without a cohesive narrative and a bigger picture dealing with the why of your business and what it will bring to your customers, all your stats sound dry and boring.

Make sure a purposeful narrative runs throughout your presentation, not just at the beginning. The stats are important, especially financial stats, but they aren’t the only important thing.

DO elaborate and minimize as you see fit.

What is on the slides is important, but so is how you present it.

As you’re speaking, gauge your audience, their interests in the particulars of your business, and what they most care about. Then, tailor your company pitch deck to their needs.

DON’T just read from the slides.

Tailor your presentation to keep your audience engaged and never just recite what is written on your slides.

Remember, investors can read. The reason this is a presentation and not an email is so you can engage with them.

Creating a startup pitch deck doesn’t need to be difficult. If you’re short on time, you can use a design tool like Visme to put one together in literally just a few minutes.

No more starting from scratch and creating slides one by one. You can simply use ready-made templates and replace the placeholder content with your own.

Here’s how it works.

Step 1: Choose a template.

To get started, sign in to your Visme dashboard and choose a pitch deck template that fits well with your content and type of business.

There are hundreds of presentation templates in Visme’s library, and they’re all fully customizable.

Customize your favorite pitch deck template! Edit and Download

You can also mix and match slides of a similar style using our presentation themes.

Step 2: Customize.

When you find a pitch deck template you like, click on Edit to start customizing it inside the Visme editor.

You can change anything and everything to fit your content needs. The editor is easy-to-use with drag-and-drop functionality. You can use it even without any prior design experience.

Change colors, fonts and images. Swap icons for relevant ones using our free icon library. Add and customize data visualizations to make boring numbers more interesting. Insert animations and links, embed videos, and more.

You can also add, remove or rearrange slides as you see fit. Use Dynamic Fields to keep your personal, company and other key information accurate and consistent throughout your presentation.

The entire customization process will barely take you an hour if you just replace the placeholder content with your own.

Step 3: Download or share.

You can download your pitch deck in image or PDF format, or as a PowerPoint file.

Generate a link to share it privately with specific people, like in an email. You can also publish your presentation on the web so it can show up in search results on Google.

You can also embed the pitch presentation on your company website using a responsive code. Once you’ve shared your deck, you can start tracking analytics to see how many people viewed it or have taken action.

Running out of time? You can generate a complete and captivating AI pitch deck in minutes using Visme's AI presentation maker .

Just describe the type of presentation you want the tool to create and Visme's Chatbot will suggest different template styles. Once you've chosen the most relevant template for your presentation, you can wait for the tool to create the design.

After that, you can preview, regenerate, or open your project in the Visme editor. Once you're sold on the template design, you can further customize it using the wide range of design tools and assets available in Visme's pitch deck maker.

Here are some frequently asked questions that will help you clear any doubts about creating your pitch deck.

Q1. What should you avoid in a pitch deck?

When developing a pitch deck, you should take care of several pitfalls to deliver an effective and impactful presentation:

• Avoid using unnecessary jargon and complex terminologies to keep your explanation simple and clear.
• Don't overcrowd a single slide with too much information, as it can make it hard for your viewers to grasp the key elements.
• Ensure to include the unique aspects of your product or service that set it apart from others in the market.
• While you need to recognize your competitors, highlight what makes your venture different and, perhaps, more appealing.
• Be realistic with your revenue predictions; overly optimistic numbers can cause investors to doubt your credibility.

Q2. How long should a pitch deck be?

The ideal pitch deck should be about 10 to 15 slides long. Each slide should discuss critical business aspects, like problem statement, market size, solution, business model, etc. However, the number of slides may change based on your business complexity and target audience.

Q3. What is the difference between a pitch deck and a business plan?

A pitch deck and a business plan are both critical for startups but serve different purposes:

Pitch Deck: A pitch deck is a brief presentation to give your audience (typically potential investors, partners, or customers) a quick overview of your business plan. It's generally used during face-to-face or online meetings and should be engaging, concise and to the point.

Business Plan: A business plan, on the other hand, is a formal document that details the tactics and strategies you intend to employ to start and grow your business. It covers minute aspects such as your business model, detailed market analysis, organizational structure, cash flow projections, etc.

Q4. What is the best software for creating a pitch deck?

It depends on your business, but you’ll generally want to choose software that blends the ease of use with cutting-edge functionalities. In that case, Visme is the best software for creating a pitch deck with advanced features like data visualization tools , presenter notes , presenter studio , animated graphics and more.

Q5. Cost of making a pitch deck?

The cost of making a professional pitch deck can vary depending on whether you hire a designer or do it yourself. Hiring a designer to create a custom deck from scratch could cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.

However, tools like Visme allow you to easily create high-quality decks without design experience or costs. Visme offers free online presentation software with hundreds of professionally designed templates for pitch decks and other types of presentations.

Q6. What types of investment pitch decks are there?

There is no universally accepted classification of investment pitch decks into specific types, but they vary based on the nature of the business or the purpose of the pitch.

However, there are a few common types or themes of pitch decks that companies often use:

• Pre-Seed Pitch Deck: This pitch deck serves the purpose of securing initial funding to shape and refine a business concept. This deck outlines the problem, solution, market potential, basic financials and team.
• Seed Pitch Deck: Crafted to attract funding for the launch and early development of the business. It builds upon the pre-seed deck by offering more details on market validation, product development, and initial traction.
• Series A/B/C Pitch Deck: This type of pitch deck is for seeking significant funding rounds for growth and expansion. They provide comprehensive information on market leadership, financial performance, scaling strategies, competitive landscape and potential exit plans.

Q7. What is the difference between a pitch deck and a presentation?

A pitch deck is a type of presentation designed specifically to propose an idea, product, solution or opportunity to potential clients, investors or partners. A presentation, on the other hand, is a content format composed of slides, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be used for pitching purposes.

Q8. What should not be included in a pitch deck?

A pitch deck should not include irrelevant information, unrealistic financial projections, unverified claims, technical jargon and overly complex data or slides. You should also steer clear of presenting negative information like potential risks or challenges without offering mitigation strategies or solutions.

A powerful pitch deck can help you secure the funding you need to make your business idea a reality. This article will give you the confidence you need to design and present a killer investor pitch deck .

If you want to learn more about pitch decks and giving great presentations, check out some of the resources below.

• 17 Pitch Deck Templates Inspired By Real-Life Startups and Businesses
• 15 Expert Tips for Giving a Powerful Business Presentation
• Presentation Success Formula: How to Start Strong and End Powerfully

You can also watch this video on how to structure your presentation to keep your audience hooked till the very end.

If you're looking for an easy-to-use, professional presentation software to help you make a powerful pitch deck, Visme can be just what you're looking for.

You can browse through fully designed pitch deck templates that are inspired by real-life pitch decks of successful companies, such as Airbnb, Buffer and more.

Each template is customizable, so you can easily plug in your own content, graphics and brand assets, and download it in PowerPoint or PDF format, or publish it online.

Ready to create your very own pitch deck? Sign up on Visme for a free account and take it for a test drive!

Create captivating pitch decks in minutes using Visme

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About the Author

Mahnoor Sheikh is the content marketing manager at Visme. She has years of experience in content strategy and execution, SEO copywriting and graphic design. She is also the founder of MASH Content and is passionate about tea, kittens and traveling with her husband. Get in touch with her on LinkedIn .

• Presentation Design

What is a Pitch Deck: Meaning, Example, and Guide

This article will help you understand the concepts and components of an effective pitch deck.

Throughout many years of helping startup founders navigate fundraising, we’ve come across many pitch decks. We can confidently say that we know a thing or two about writing good pitch decks. In this article, we’ll do a deep dive into the definition of a pitch deck and what the ideal pitch deck looks like.

Pitch Deck: What is It?

A pitch deck is a short and concise presentation, usually created using PowerPoint, Keynote, or similar software, used to provide your audience with a quick overview of your business plan. It typically covers key aspects such as your company's mission, business model, market opportunity, product or service, competitive landscape, financials, and team. The goal of a pitch deck is to attract investment by convincing potential investors of the viability and future growth of your business. Most pitch decks are around 15-24 slides long and are used during meetings with investors, demo days, or as a part of the initial screening process by accelerators.

A pitch deck shouldn't be a boring business presentation. It's a narrative that tells your company's story. Depending on your stage and your particular journey, this ‘story’ can take different angles: solving a pressing problem, a unique business model, remarkable traction, revolutionary tech, or superhuman founders. Usually, a deck will have between 15-24 slides, but this depends on all the above factors and shouldn’t be taken as a rule of thumb. The deck's goal is clear: you need to persuade your investor audience to trust you and your solution so they want to invest their money in your company.

A pitch deck can be used for different purposes, such as emailing it to help you land investor meetings, pitching, and presenting in front of an audience. Depending on these scenarios and time constraints, the presentation can have more or less information, but the structure should generally be the same.

When will you need a pitch deck?

‍ You'll need a pitch deck throughout your journey as a founder and many stages of a startup’s life. For starters, almost every U.S. accelerator program will ask for a pitch deck during their initial screening process. Once you're in, get ready for the  "pitch practices." These spaces allow you to rehearse your pitch and refine your presenting skills. Rehearsing is crucial; it’s designed to prepare you for future demo days. An event where you present your business to a room full of key players—think investors and other program coordinators. 

However, this is not the most common use of your deck. The most common use for a pitch deck is whenever you and your team decide it’s time to seek external capital. Think of your pitch deck as your ‘presentation card.’ Often, what will determine whether you can sit in front of potential investors is if your deck has a clear and compelling story that can be understood . The presentation decks can also serve as a pre-meeting brief, allowing investors a sneak peek before a face-to-face conversation, or as a discussion tool during your meetings to walk them through your value proposition clearly and concisely. 

A pitch deck serves a dual purpose: not only does it provide investors with an overview of your company, making it easier for them to evaluate the investment potential, but it also helps you, as a founder, as a mental exercise into articulating the key aspects of your startup and pen key information and data about your company. 

The ideal structure 

Again, think of your deck as a story/journey your reader is going through. Throughout the presentation, the key questions the pitch needs to answer are:

• What market opportunity have you discovered? 
• What have you built to tackle it? How does it work, and who is it for? 
• How much are you growing, and will you continue to grow? 
• And why are YOU and your team THE right ones to change that status quo? 

These four guiding questions will frame the structure of your pitch deck .

First, you want to set the stage with your deck's introduction. This encompasses the cover slide and the status quo section. What’s the current landscape, and what isn’t working?

Next, we pivot to introduce your solution—think of it as the story's hero. This is where the narrative takes a turn. We focus on what sets your solution apart, its features, how it generates revenue, and its target audience. 

For seasoned entrepreneurs, this is also the point where we'd highlight any traction gained, demonstrating your understanding of your business's growth trajectory and your concrete plans for expansion.

Then, it’s time to size up the market. You should explore how the target market responds and how big it is—the stakes couldn’t be higher. But that’s not all; your audience will also be eager to learn about the competitive landscape and how you are better than your competitors.

Finally, we reach the climax of the pitch deck. Here we highlight the founding team, your unique competitive edges, or perhaps your innovative rollout strategy. We wrap up this section by clearly outlining your funding needs and providing a breakdown of how the capital will be used.

What should be in a Pitch Deck Presentation?

Many authors, venture capitalists, startup founders, and evangelists have developed various iterations of what they believe are the essential components for successful pitch presentations. There is definitely not one correct answer. However, there are certain best practices and highly recommended components the deck should have.

At Slidebean, we’ve created this visual to show how we visualize the ideal story arc of a pitch deck.

This fits perfectly into the ideal pitch deck structure we tend to use at Slidebean.

Pitch Deck Components:

Very broadly speaking, the key elements that fit this structure are listed below. This doesn’t mean the deck should have no more than 13 slides. Depending on your particular case, many of these sections should be expanded into more than 1 slide. 

• Market Overview
• Product/Features
• Revenue Model
• Go-To-Market
• Market Size
• Competition
• Fundraising/Use of Funds‍

These core sections of a pitch deck are intentionally designed to flow from broad to detailed, starting with the business opportunity and gradually zooming in on why this particular company is poised to fill a gap in the target market.

If you're on the hunt for some pitch deck inspiration, check our gallery of successful pitch deck templates right here .

I want to take a moment to re-emphasize that this structure is, by no means, a rule of thumb. Every company has its own story, and whoever is creating the pitch deck will adapt these slides into the order that produces the best possible story, given their strengths. Early-stage startups, who usually don’t have relevant traction, lean heavily on the problem-solution fit, the market potential, and being first to market. More mature companies, in contrast, tend to emphasize their traction, KPIs, unit economics, and how additional funding can accelerate their growth.

Regardless of the size of the company or the milestones to date, the ultimate goal of a pitch presentation is to provide a broad overview of how the startup works, its strengths, and future growth opportunities.

Are there different types of pitch decks?

More than different decks per se, the main factor to consider is that there are different scenarios in which you’ll use a deck, so we definitely need to adjust the narrative to fit these different time constraints and content requirements. While there’s no one-size-fits-all guide to the types of pitch decks, here are some commonly encountered decks:

Elevator pitch deck :

This is a deck that should, as the name suggests, be able to deliver a pitch for 1-2 minutes during an elevator ride with a potential investor - figuratively speaking. Nonetheless, these sorts of decks are highly condensed versions of your pitch. Focus on the most essential information: problem, solution, traction, market, use of funds, and growth. 

Demo day pitch deck:

Usually a bit more detailed than an elevator pitch but still on the shorter side. These pitch decks are common on demo days when many startups present sequentially, and the time limit is sacred.  Here, founders usually have no more than five minutes to present. These pitches are often presented in large auditoriums, and the focus is yourself, so the deck itself should have little-to-no-text and be heavy on visuals to capture your audience’s attention.

Full investor deck:

‍ This is what you normally find when Googling “What is a Pitch Deck” or “Pitch Deck Meaning”. A full investor deck is the archetypical pitch deck and also the most commonly used. Typically, it showcases your company for potential investors to review and assess if it is venture-backable or not. This is a more in-depth look at your startup's aspects, from business model and go-to-market strategy to financial projections and fundraising needs. These decks have between 15-24 slides and are also called “email decks,” meaning they are sent to help you land investor meetings. They can also be used to guide in-person meetings and help you highlight traction and data that would otherwise be trickier to explain verbally.‍

Investor data room :

Beyond a pitch deck, an investor data room includes all the due diligence materials of a startup as the closing of an investment approaches. It goes deeper than the pitch deck, including crucial documents that confirm your company’s credibility and back up the claims made in your presentations, particularly regarding your financials. This setup is particularly valuable during acquisitions, as it allows investors to verify the essentials like legal structure, contracts, stock vesting agreements, trademarks, and financial records. For more information on this topic, you can check this article .

Key components for a solid pitch deck

• Good Story Structure - Storytelling Arc: In pitch decks, the order in which you present your information is crucial—almost as critical as the content itself. Your information should follow a logical order that paints an overall business picture and has a story arc that makes sense. Most storytelling techniques in public speaking also apply to narrating your business story.
• Easily Understandable: This point goes hand in hand with the structure and order of the deck and, honestly, is quite obvious. Readers need to understand your company and the deck, regardless of them being unfamiliar or unrelated to your industry. The typical trap in which many fall is getting too technical and using jargon that many of us simply - don’t understand. Try to tell the story clearly, compellingly, and concisely so that anyone* can understand the deck and get excited about your company. 
• Human-Centered & Relatable: It’s tempting to focus too much on the solution you created and give lengthy explanations of your product’s super cool features. The reality is that the best business idea is meaningless if it doesn’t solve a genuine human problem. The deck needs to convey that there is a clear problem/solution fit. Make things relatable by providing proof of the user's pain points, quantify the problem, and mention how your solution improves their lives - and why your team is the only one that can do it. If your audience can’t relate to the problem, convincing them of your solution will be hard.‍
• Compelling Visual Resources: While your presentation's content is vital, your slides' visual look is critical in engaging your audience. People get bored quickly, and a visually dynamic presentation can help you maintain their interest. We process images much more efficiently than text; use this to your advantage by crafting visually striking slides that enhance your message. And please, remember that this is not a business plan. You shouldn't have everything in your deck. This is a high-level document that has to paint a solid picture of your company. There will be a time and place to deep dive into different areas of the company; the slide deck is not the place.
• Traction-Oriented Slides : If you have the traction, brag about it. Results and actual data tend to be more relevant than anything else. They demonstrate you’ve found or started to find product/market fit, and that your addressable market has been identified and defined. Nothing gives you more credibility than actual, measurable success with paying customers. Bonus points: you must be prepared to discuss these metrics and unit economics once you present them, so make sure you know and understand them. 
• A Healthy, Exponentially Growing Business: The simple (and hardest) truth of crafting a solid and compelling pitch deck is that it depends on your company’s performance. Revenue-generating businesses, low-churning products, exponential and sustained growth, and consistent usage… these are the things that investors are looking for, and that will charm them. The reality behind the startup fundraising world is that investors want a 10x return for their investment. Despite the reputation of being risk-takers, they ultimately look for their investment to yield results. 

A pitch presentation is valuable for founders and investors to assess collaboration opportunities. A solid deck can take you really far, and a deck full of red flags can deter you from even having the opportunity to pitch in person to potential investors. It is a good exercise because it forces you to do a conscious exercise to articulate your story in a compelling manner, as well as a format that is compatible with the majority of investors around the world. By no means is it an easy task, but the exercise of writing it will help you understand your company from an external perspective and force you to understand key aspects of the narrative you have: growth, metrics, solution, problem, etc.

I hope this article has clarified what a business deck is and the components of a 5-star deck. 

For more insights, feel free to explore other articles on our blog about pitch deck basics.

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Why is a PowerPoint presentation called a deck?

The predecessor to the computer applications for making presentations was a series of photographic slides in a slide tray. When assembled into a presentation, the collection of slides was called a 'deck', as in a deck of cards.

The term is probably just a holdover term.

Add your answer:

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What Are Pitch Decks? Essential Tips for Startup Founder's

As a startup founder, you have a unique vision and a passion to bring your idea to life. However, to turn your vision into reality, you need to convince others to believe in your idea and invest in your startup.  

This is where a pitch deck comes in – a crucial tool that helps you communicate your vision and persuade investors, partners, and customers to support your venture.

In this article, we will explore the significance of pitch decks for founders, the key elements that make them successful, and provide valuable tips to ensure a pitch deck stands out. ‍

What is a Pitch Deck?  

A pitch deck is a visual presentation that summarizes your startup's vision, mission, and goals. It is typically a 10-15 slide presentation that provides an overview of your business, highlighting its unique value proposition, market opportunity, competitive advantage, and growth potential. A pitch deck is often used to raise capital, attract talent, and build partnerships.

Why are Pitch Decks Important for Startup Founders?

Pitch decks are essential for startup founders for several reasons:  

1. Attracts Potential Investors

‍ A well-crafted pitch deck can get the interest of investors, making them more inclined to learn about the startup's vision and potentially invest in the venture.

2. Communicates the Business Model Clearly

‍ A pitch deck allows founders to clearly articulate their business model, market opportunity, and growth strategy, enabling investors to understand the potential of the startup.

3. Establishes Credibility

‍ A professional and compelling pitch deck demonstrates the founder's preparedness, attention to detail, and commitment to their venture, which can help establish credibility with investors.

4. Networking

‍ Pitch decks can be used to establish connections with potential partners, customers, or collaborators.

5. Facilitates Fundraising

‍ Finally, a pitch deck plays a vital role in securing the necessary funding for a startup's growth and development.

Key Elements of a Successful Pitch Deck

A successful pitch deck should include the following 6 key elements:

1. Problem Statement

‍ Clearly define the problem your startup solves, and the market needs it addresses.

2. Product or Service Overview

‍ Provide a concise yet comprehensive explanation of the product or service, its unique features, and its competitive advantages.

3. Market Opportunity

‍ Outline the size and growth potential of the target market, as well as the competitive landscape.

4. Business Model and Revenue Strategy

‍ Outline the business model, including the revenue streams, pricing structure, and scalability potential.

5. Team and Advisors

‍ Introduce the founding team, highlighting their relevant experience, expertise, and track record, as well as any advisors or strategic partners involved.

6. Financial Projections

‍ Include realistic financial projections, such as revenue forecasts, expenses, and key metrics, demonstrating the potential for growth and profitability.

Important Tips to Make Your Pitch Deck Successful

To make your pitch deck successful, follow these tips:

1. Keep it Concise and Visual

‍ Pitch decks should be concise, with each slide conveying a clear message supported by visuals, such as charts, graphics, and images.

2. Tailor to Your Audience

‍ Customize the pitch deck to resonate with the specific audience, whether investors, partners, or potential customers, by addressing their concerns and highlighting relevant information.

3. Focus on the Value Proposition

‍ Emphasize the unique value proposition of the startup, highlighting the problem it solves and the competitive advantages it offers.

4. Be Authentic and Passionate

‍ Show genuine enthusiasm and passion for your startup and be prepared to answer questions and address concerns.

5. Practice and Refine

‍ Rehearse the pitch deck presentation multiple times, ensuring a smooth and engaging delivery, and be prepared to address potential questions or concerns.

6. Seek Feedback

‍ Solicit feedback from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, or mentors, and continuously refine and improve the pitch deck based on their input.

A pitch deck is a powerful tool that can make or break a startup's chances of securing funding and support. Crafting an effective pitch deck requires a delicate balance of storytelling, data-driven insights, and a deep understanding of the audience's needs. By meticulously designing each slide, leveraging compelling visuals, and delivering a narrative that resonates, founders can transform their pitch deck into a catalyst for growth.  

Remember, a pitch deck represents more than just slides; it's a testament to the passion, determination, and disruptive potential of the startup. Embrace the opportunity to captivate investors and stakeholders, leaving a lasting impression that inspires confidence and investment in the venture's vision.

1. What is the most important aspect of a pitch deck?

The most important aspect of a pitch deck is clearly communicating the unique value proposition and the problem the startup aims to solve. Investors are primarily interested in the potential impact and scalability of the business idea.

2. What are the benefits of a pitch deck?

A well-crafted pitch deck can attract potential investors, communicate the business model effectively, establish credibility, and facilitate fundraising efforts for the startup.

3. Why do pitch decks fail?

Pitch decks may fail due to various reasons, such as lack of clarity, inadequate market research, unrealistic projections, poor visual design, or failing to address the audience's concerns and interests effectively.

4. What should a pitch deck include?

A pitch deck should typically include an overview of the product or service, market opportunity, business model, revenue strategy, team and advisors, financial projections, and a compelling narrative that resonates with the audience.

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